Vehicle thefts down during the pandemic

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

The total number of stolen vehicles in the UK dropped by nearly 15% in 2020 while many of us were at home and able to watch over our cars due to the pandemic, according to new research.

Insurer comparethemarket.com analysed data from 26 police forces, revealing that 61,743 vehicles were stolen over the last two years – 28,454 in 2020, compared to 33,289 in 2019.

Overall, the West Midlands fell victim to the most crimes in the past two years. However, it’s Birmingham West that ranks top for the total number of offences, despite thefts in 2020 decreasing by nearly 21% compared to 2019.

While theft rates in Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham East also decreased last year, Doncaster saw thefts increase by 8%.

Top 10 vehicle theft hotspots

Rank Location 2019 thefts 2020 thefts Total
1 Birmingham West 1,730 1,375 3,105
2 Liverpool 1,276 1,062 2,338
3 Sheffield 1,199 1,123 2,322
4 Birmingham East 1,050 991 2,041
5 Doncaster 739 796 1,535
6 Sandwell 726 748 1,474
7 Brighton and Hove 672 590 1,262
8 Rotherham 557 615 1,172
9 Luton Borough 679 486 1,165
10 Coventry 506 608 1,114

Range Rover and Land Rover topped the league table for the most stolen and recovered vehicles across the UK.

Read the full breakdown of the Top 20 theft hotspots and tips on keeping your vehicle safe…

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