Drivers warned to park car in garage amid 'UK car cannibalism epidemic'

All motoristshave been issued a warning about the growing threat of "car cannibalism".

Experts areurging vehicle owners about the dangers this alarming trend presents to their motors. Figures from Admiral Insurance reveal that parking sensor thefts soared fourfold between 2023 and 2024, whilst steering wheels have also become prime targets for criminals.

This surge in component stealing has sparked a boom in unlawful "chop shops," where nicked vehicle parts get flogged on the black market It comes after mindless yobs damage 41 cars in vandalism rampage through sleepy market town.

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It's crucial to keep your motor hidden from view to protect it from thieves, reports Chronicle Live. If your vehicle has already been hit, you can still implement steps to discourage an ongoing theft or potentially retrieve stolen components later.

Always try to park your car in secure locations, even for short spells. For extended periods, private car parks and garages offer the best protection, as they're usually locked and watched by CCTV or alternative security systems.

If you lack access to a protected parking spot, think about parking in a brightly-lit zone with plenty of pedestrians, as this can help put off thieves. Given that numerous parts get nicked from vehicle fronts, it's wise to park nose-first against a wall wherever feasible to complicate theft attempts.

Always remember to secure your vehicle and take your keys with you - this isn't just better practice, but numerous car insurance policies might refuse theft claims if the vehicle wasn't correctly locked.

A steering wheel lock would provide additional security. While it's a long shot that you'll retrieve nicked parts, marking them could aid the police in identifying them, thus boosting your chances of getting your stuff back.

In some instances, thieves might be put off by marked parts if they spot the markings, as they may be wary of stealing items that can be traced back to them. Moreover, potential buyers might realise that marked parts are stolen and could be more likely to report this to the coppers.

Mark Barclay, head of ecommerce at My Motor World, said: "Like grand theft auto, car cannibalism is another big worry for car owners. Because the parts that are stolen are so hard to retrieve and are of comparatively little value, it's very unlikely you'll get them back.

"Taking precautions against theft and ensuring you have insurance are the best ways to protect your car from cannibalism. You may find it useful to keep a supply of spares in your home or a secure garage, particularly for parts like lights. If your vehicle is cannibalised, you can then quickly install a new part and be back on the road in no time."