5 Most Common Items That Car Thieves Target

Car theft in the UK is alarmingly on the rise, with over 64,087 vehicles stolen in 2023 alone! That’s about 176 cars taken every day, according to DVLA statistics. 

Even more concerning is the number of items stolen from vehicles, which reached a staggering 192,023 reported crimes last year. Worse yet for drivers, this number only represents the crimes reported, likely representing just a fraction of the actual incidents.

To safeguard yourself and your belongings, it’s essential to know what items thieves typically target. While high-value items attract attention, accessible belongings are just as enticing for criminals who are often working against the clock. By being aware of these high-risk items, you can significantly improve your chances of keeping your prized possessions safe.

Electronics

Electronics such as mobile phones, satnavs, and car radios are prime targets for car thieves.

What Makes Electronics Attractive to Thieves? 

Thieves know that electronics are easy to resell quickly, often within local markets or online platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. The rapid turnover in tech products means that even older models contain enough modern hardware to still fetch a decent price. 

Additionally, the accessibility of these items in cars, combined with the limited time thieves typically have, makes them prime targets.

Which Electronics Are Most at Risk?

• Smartphones: Particularly the latest models, which can sell for several hundred pounds, or trusted luxury brands like iPhones. 
• Satnavs: Often mounted on windshields and easily visible, satnavs are perfect window shopping opportunities for thieves.
• Car radios: Aftermarket radios with attractive features (like Bluetooth) are frequently stolen.
• Laptops and tablets: These items often contain sensitive personal data, making them not only valuable but also a potential blackmail risk for victims.

Prevention Tips

• Always keep electronics out of sight when you leave your car, using the glove compartment or trunk for hidden storage.
• Invest in a locking console or a safe specifically designed for vehicles to secure valuable items.
• If you can, take your electronics with you, especially when parked in public areas.

Shopping Bags and Groceries

It may come as a surprise, but shopping bags and groceries are frequently targeted by opportunistic thieves.

What Makes Shopping Bags Attractive to Thieves? 

Shopping bags are considered easy pickings amongst crooks, especially when they appear full of new purchases in shopping centre parking lots. The act of snatching them can be done quickly with a swift window smashing.

Which Shopping Items Are Most at Risk?

• Grocery bags: As a result of the cost of living crisis, shopping bags from high-end supermarkets like Waitrose are being targeted due to the higher likelihood of valuable contents.
• Retail shopping bags: Luxury stores and designer brands also signal that the contents might be valuable, even if you are just repurposing the bags.
• Holiday gifts: As winter draws closer, remain vigilant for any bags containing gifts left in plain view.

Prevention Tips

• Immediately carry bags inside to avoid leaving them unattended in your vehicle.
• If you must leave items in your car temporarily, cover them with a blanket to keep them out of sight.

Car Parts

The theft of car parts, including catalytic converters and alloy wheels, is an alarming trend. 

What Makes Car Parts Attractive to Thieves?

With the accessibility of online tutorials, savvy thieves understand which parts can yield the most profit for removal procedures that take only minutes. They often scout locations for vehicles left outside which can provide a speedy getaway after looting the components.

Which Car Parts Are Most at Risk?

• Catalytic converters: Often taken within minutes, they contain precious metals that can be sold for a high price. They are particularly vulnerable in vehicles that sit high off the ground, like SUVs and trucks.
• Alloy wheels: Sought after for their aesthetic appeal and resale value. Thieves may target vehicles parked in secluded areas for easy access to these high-value parts.
• Batteries: Stolen for their scrap value and resale potential, especially in older cars that use lead-acid batteries, which are still in demand.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid leaving your car in the same spot outside your home for extended periods.
• Install anti-theft devices specifically designed for car parts, such as catalytic converter locks.
• Consider etching your VIN onto parts, making them traceable and less attractive to thieves.

Personal Items

Personal items, such as handbags, laptops, and sports gear, may not be the priciest items to lose, but they often carry significant emotional value that can be distressing to lose.

What Makes Personal Items Attractive to Thieves?

Personal items typically contain not only monetary value but also sensitive personal information, making them attractive to thieves. Items like laptops can be resold for a good price, while handbags often hold cash, cards, and identification.

Which Personal Items Are Most at Risk?

• Handbags: Often left on seats or in view, designer bags are at particular risk. Moreover, the contents are often equally valuable, contain cash, credit cards, and personal identification.
• Laptops and tablets: Frequently left in the car when people run errands, making them prime targets for theft. These devices can also store sensitive information, leading to identity theft if stolen.
• Sports gear: Items like gym bags or expensive equipment left in cars can be tempting for thieves, especially if they appear valuable or new.

Prevention Tips:

• Only transport personal items when you need to use them on the day.
• Be mindful of your surroundings when returning to your vehicle, especially if you notice anyone loitering nearby.

Number Plates

Number plates are an often overlooked target of thieves, with uses as varied as disguising stolen vehicles to committing fraud.

What Makes Number Plates Attractive to Thieves?

Thieves often steal number plates to disguise the identity of other stolen vehicles, allowing them to commit crimes without being traced. Moreover, with the relative ease of removing number plates, it makes them a low-risk target.

Which Number Plates Are Most at Risk?

• Standard plates: Commonly targeted for use on stolen vehicles; they can be quickly removed and replaced on another car.
• Specialty plates: Personalised or rare plates can fetch a good price among collectors.
• Commercial plates: Plates from company vehicles may be targeted for their potential to mask the identity of a stolen vehicle.

Prevention Tips:

• Use anti-theft screws or locking plates to secure your number plates and make them harder to remove.
• Report any stolen number plates immediately to the police to help prevent misuse.

Insurance Coverage for Stolen Items

When items are stolen from your car, prepare to explore the two most common questions with insurance coverage:

Are items stolen from a car covered by insurance?

Typically, car insurance policies cover damage to the vehicle itself but not personal items stolen from within it. However, some comprehensive car insurance policies may include limited coverage for specific items under certain conditions – for example, glasses may be covered but not your laptop.

Can I claim items stolen from my car?

In some cases, personal items stolen from your car might be covered by your home insurance rather than your auto insurance. Many home insurance policies include ‘off-premises’ coverage, which extends to personal items stolen from your car.

Final Words

Car theft is on the rise across the UK, and whether it’s high-value electronics or even just a bag of groceries, having items stolen from your car can be a costly headache. By understanding the most targeted items – like electronics, car parts, and personal belongings – you can better protect yourself.

It’s also worth a quick look at your insurance to see what’s covered and what isn’t. Having the right coverage could make a big difference if you ever need it.