{"id":247299,"date":"2023-12-04T16:49:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=247299"},"modified":"2023-12-04T16:49:00","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:49:00","slug":"drivers-urged-to-keep-car-safe-as-one-brand-faces-500-percent-rise-in-thefts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/car-reviews\/drivers-urged-to-keep-car-safe-as-one-brand-faces-500-percent-rise-in-thefts\/","title":{"rendered":"Drivers urged to keep car safe as one brand faces 500 percent rise in thefts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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New data from LV= General Insurance has revealed that car theft is at an all-time high in the UK, increasing by 59 percent between 2021 and 2022.<\/p>\n

During the winter months, many crimes increase in popularity, thanks in part to the darker evenings, with criminals thinking they can go unnoticed.<\/p>\n

Martin Milliner, Claims Director at LV= General Insurance, explained why a growing number of thieves are targeting cars.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cWe\u2019re certainly seeing an increase in car thefts and high value spare parts such as catalytic converters, laser headlights and even steering wheels that organised gangs of thieves find very lucrative.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is being fuelled by the high-tech nature and cost of these components and a general shortage of car parts because of global supply chain disruptions.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ MORE:\u00a0<\/b>Motorists warned to turn fog lights off when driving in good weather or risk a \u00a350 fine<\/p>\n

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According to LV= General Insurance, the car brand that has faced the biggest increase in thefts is Lexus, with the number of reported thefts rising by 513 percent between September 2021 and 2023.<\/p>\n

Other brands that are typically targeted by thieves include Toyota, with thefts increasing by 103 percent, Hyundai, rising by 81 percent and Kia, which rose by 76 percent.<\/p>\n

Cars featuring keyless entry can also be desirable for thieves as it is much easier for them to gain entry and start the engine.<\/p>\n

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Martin also highlighted that criminals often target a wide range of cars, with older and newer models each having value.<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cSome second-hand cars are highly desirable, being on average over 30 percent more expensive than they were two years ago and used by criminals as currency.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re seeing all types of vehicles stolen and keyless cars remain a challenge. The technology of keyless cars continues to improve as more cars are produced but unfortunately it doesn\u2019t take long for the thieves to work out a way to steal them and advance their own tactics.\u201d<\/p>\n