Stalling security: One vehicle stolen every five minutes in 2024

04 December 2024

• Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance indicates that one vehicle has been stolen every five minutes this year across England and Wales*
• There were more than 72,000 vehicle thefts between January and September 2024.
• The data also reveals that the West Midlands region has the most vehicle thefts, outside London.
• This comes as the member-owned organisation reports seeing claims as high as £45,000 for vehicle theft in 2024 and is reminding drivers to take precautions to help keep their vehicles secure this winter.

Findings obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals that one vehicle has been stolen every five minutes in England and Wales so far in 2024.

Freedom of Information data obtained by the member-owned organisation highlights that there were 72,888 vehicle thefts between January and September.** When it came to regional theft figures, Co-op Insurance found that London has the highest incidences of vehicle theft, with the Metropolitan Police reporting that they have already recorded over 20,000 cases in 2024.

The West Midlands region has the second most, with more than 11,000 reports so far this year, while Yorkshire and the Humber region has seen nearly 8,000 vehicle thefts recorded across its four police forces.

However, despite having a larger population, the North-West region had less incidences of vehicle theft than both the West Midlands and Yorkshire, with 7,648 cases recorded so far this year.***

Meanwhile, in Wales, there have been just over 2,500 vehicle thefts in 2024, with the majority taking place in the South Wales and Gwent Police Force areas, which centre on the cities of Swansea and Cardiff, and Newport, respectively.

Regions with highest number of vehicle thefts outside London in 2024

Region	Vehicle Theft
West Midlands	11,244
Yorkshire and Humber	7,760
North West	7,648

In London, Croydon was found to be the area with the highest number of vehicle thefts, whilst in the West Midlands region, Wolverhampton suffered the most incidences. Elsewhere, Doncaster was found to be the area with the most vehicle thefts in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The member-owned business has also revealed that, so far in 2024, it has seen claims of up to £45,000 for vehicle theft, with the average being more than £7,000, meaning that those without the right cover or who failed to renew their cover, could face a significant financial impact.*

And possibly even more importantly, vehicle theft can be extremely emotionally distressing. As such the member-owned organisation is encouraging people to ensure that their vehicle is secure and protected, especially during the winter period.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said: “Whether it’s a family car or a van for your business, your vehicles are vital assets so it’s crucial that you keep them safe and secure.

“Unfortunately, our findings suggest that vehicle thefts are sadly all too common and with the dark winter nights drawing in it’s important that drivers take extra precautions to ensure that their cars or vans are secured.

“Taking steps to keep your vehicle safe by parking securely, installing security features, hiding valuables and storing keys wisely will help to keep criminals at bay and give you greater peace of mind.”

Co-op Insurance has also shared the following tips to help drivers keep their vehicle safe, this winter:

At Home: - driveways and garages can be the most secure places to park your vehicle. - park as close to the house as possible. - park in line with a large window.

In a car park: - It may take longer to manoeuvre, but park close to other vehicles where possible. - Another top tip is to turn your wheels towards surrounding vehicles in a car park, or turn them towards the kerb if you are parked on the road.

Parking on the road: - If you are leaving your vehicle on a main road, consider parking it under street lamps. - If you are parking outside a café or restaurant, try to leave it where there is a window.

Hide valuables: - Take valuables like sat navs, mobile phones, wallets and cash with you if at all possible, or tuck them safely out if sight if not. This also includes any residue left over from valuables, including ring marks from sat navs, mobile phone packaging or coins. - Keep bags and coats out of sight. - Remember to remove any paperwork including your name and address.

Place keys wisely: - Remember to remove any paperwork including your name and address.

Show signs of security: - Extra signs of security are a good idea if you are leaving your vehicle unattended. Installing a tracker will help police locate it if the worst should happen. - Consider installing a steering lock and warning stickers.

For details on Co-op insurance, or for further information on Co-op Insurance, visit https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance.

Ends

Notes to the editor: Vehicle theft data from Freedom of Information requests to the 43 police forces in England and Wales. Cleveland Police, Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police declined to provide data. City of London Police failed to respond.

• Based on responses from 39 out of the 43 police forces between July 31st 2024 and September 25th 2024. Vehicle theft defined as: ‘Aggravated Vehicle Taking’ or ‘Theft or Unauthorised Taking of a Motor Vehicle’

** 387,360 minutes between 1 January and September 25th.

*** Data from ONS mid-year population estimates 2022:https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/datasets/populationestimatesforukenglandandwalesscotlandandnorthernireland/mid2022/mye22final.xlsx

**** Excludes the City of London Police, Excludes Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Thames Valley Police

* Data from Markerstudy Distribution (Co-op Insurance’s motor partner), as of 17/09/24

For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.