New research has revealed a fresh target for car thieves – car parts.
According to data from LV= General Insurance, the theft of steering wheels has risen by a staggering 133% since 2017 (average claims cost of £7,000), with demand for airbags, gear levers and dashboard components doubling during the same period.
Parts are then being sold on to garages, who use them instead of new parts in repairs to lower costs.
The research also found the theft of keyless cars is peaking, with claims for stolen Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and Land Rovers up by 19% from last year – although it’s not just high value vehicles being targeted with brands such as Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Toyota and Vauxhall also popular, especially in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Alex Hammond-Chambers-Borgnis, Interim Underwriting Director said: “We’re certainly seeing an increase in car-related thefts and any spare parts opportunistic thieves can get their hands on to make some extra cash. This is also being fuelled by the fact car parts are currently in very high demand as a result of global supply chain disruption, which is adding to the problem.
“With second hand cars also sky rocketing, we’re seeing all types of vehicles being stolen, and keyless cars in particular remain a problem. The technology of keyless cars continues to improve as more cars are produced, but unfortunately it doesn’t take long for thieves to work out a way to steal them and advance their own tactics.”
