Car crime is a persistent issue in many parts of the world, and our home here in Scotland is sadly no exception.
With the latest statistics indicating a worrying trend in vehicle-related offences, Scottish residents and visitors alike must be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions.
This blog delves into the latest figures on car crime in Scotland as a whole, identifies the crime hotspots north of the border, and provides practical steps to protect your vehicle, including the importance of fitting a vehicle tracker.
Latest Figures on Car Crime in Scotland
Recent data from Police Scotland and the Scottish Government highlights the state of car crime in the country.
According to the 2023 Crime and Justice report, despite all the advances in car security technology, there has been a slight increase in vehicle-related crimes compared to previous years. The report indicates that car thefts, break-ins and vandalism remain significant concerns across various regions.
The key statistics include:
- Vehicle Thefts: There were over 7,000 reported vehicle thefts in Scotland in the past year, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
- Break-ins: Incidents of car break-ins have also risen by 3%, with approximately 12,000 cases reported.
- Vandalism: Reports of vehicle vandalism have seen a 4% rise, with over 15,000 incidents.
These figures suggest a growing need for heightened vigilance and improved security measures among vehicle owners like you to avoid becoming a victim and a statistic in next year’s figure.
Crime Hotspots in Scotland
Anyone who lives here or has visited will know Scotland has some truly breathtaking scenery and some of the friendliest people in the world, but it’s not all tartan, whisky and Loch Ness.
While car crime is a nationwide issue, certain areas in Scotland are more prone to such incidents. Identifying these hotspots can help residents and visitors exercise extra caution in these regions.
Glasgow
Glasgow, being the largest city in Scotland (and our home town), unsurprisingly tops the list of car crime hotspots.
Areas such as the city centre, East End and certain parts of the West End report higher incidences of vehicle thefts and break-ins. The dense population and busy streets provide ample opportunities for criminals to strike.
Incidentally, we wrote a blog specifically on car crime in Glasgow which is linked here if you’d like to read it.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital city also sees a significant number of car crimes. Neighbourhoods like Leith, Old Town and parts of New Town are frequently reported for vehicle-related offences. Tourists and locals alike need to be particularly cautious in these bustling areas.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen, particularly around the city centre and certain residential areas, has been identified as another hotspot. The growing population and industrial activities contribute to the increased risk of car crime.
Dundee
Dundee, especially in the city centre and some suburban areas, reports a notable number of vehicle-related crimes. As Dundee continues to develop, so does the necessity for robust vehicle security measures.
Other Areas
Other regions, such as Inverness and Paisley, also experience car crimes but to a lesser extent compared to the major cities. Nonetheless, residents and visitors in these areas should not become complacent and must remain vigilant.
Steps to Protect Your Vehicle
Given the rise in car crimes, vehicle owners need to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their assets. Here are some effective strategies that you can use to keep you and your vehicle safe.
1. Secure Parking
Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit, secure areas. Opt for parking lots with surveillance cameras and security personnel. If you have a garage, use it. Avoid leaving your car in isolated or dark places for extended periods.
2. Lock Your Vehicle
It might seem obvious, but always ensure your vehicle is locked, even if you’re leaving it unattended for a short time. Double-check all doors, windows, and the sunroof. An unlocked car is an easy target for thieves.
3. Remove Valuables
Never leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle. Items such as bags, electronics and wallets should be taken with you or placed in the boot out of view. Visible valuables can attract opportunistic thieves.
4. Use an Immobiliser
Modern cars often come with built-in immobilisers, which prevent the engine from starting without the correct key. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, consider having an immobiliser installed. It adds an extra layer of security and can deter thieves.
We would certainly recommend the Meta BLE42 Bluetooth Immobiliser from our store, which comes without any subscription costs. It’s user-friendly and cost-effective, protecting your vehicle against high-tech theft methods such as key cloning, OBD hacking and relay theft.
5. Install a Car Alarm
A loud car alarm can act as a significant deterrent to potential thieves. Many modern car alarms also come with features like motion sensors and remote alerts, which can notify you immediately if someone attempts to tamper with your vehicle.
6. Fit a Vehicle Tracker
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to learn that one of the most effective measures you can take is fitting a vehicle tracker and luckily we’re experts in that field whether you live in Scotland or not.
A tracker not only helps in the recovery of your vehicle in the event of theft but also provides real-time location updates, allowing authorities to act swiftly.
There are many benefits of installing a vehicle tracker including:
- Real-time Tracking: Vehicle trackers provide real-time GPS tracking, allowing you to monitor your car’s location through a dedicated smartphone app or a web interface.
- Theft Recovery: In the unfortunate event that your car is stolen, a tracker increases the chances of recovery by providing precise location data to the police.
- Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for vehicles equipped with trackers, recognising the reduced risk.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you can locate your vehicle at any time provides peace of mind, especially in high-risk areas in Scotland or anywhere.
You can see the whole range of trackers we sell in our online store. Whether you want an S5, S5+ or S7 tracker, we’ve got you covered. You can look at those that work particularly well with specific types of vehicles, from cars to motorbikes and motorhomes, trackers from the best and most trusted brands and even those suited to specific vehicle manufacturers.
7. Steering Wheel Locks
A little old-school maybe, but using a very visible deterrent, such as a steering wheel lock, can discourage thieves from targeting your car. It’s a low-cost yet effective measure that makes stealing your vehicle more challenging.
8. Window Etching
Etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto your car’s windows can also act as a deterrent. Thieves are less likely to steal vehicles that can be easily traced and identified, especially if your vehicle is destined for a ‘chop-shop.
9. Surveillance Cameras
For those with private driveways or garages, installing surveillance cameras can add an extra layer of security. Visible cameras, including video doorbells, are becoming much more common and can deter potential thieves.
The footage can also assist in investigations if a crime occurs.
10. Stay Informed
Keep yourself updated on local crime trends and hotspots. We’ve talked about some of them in this blog but you can go a step further. Community or neighbourhood watch programs, social media groups and your local police often provide valuable information on recent incidents and safety tips.
There’s no denying that car crime in Scotland, and across the UK as a whole, remains a significant concern, and obviously, certain urban areas will experience higher rates of vehicle-related offences than others that are more rural.
By staying informed about the latest figures and hotspots, vehicle owners can take proactive steps to protect their cars.
Implementing security measures such as secure parking, immobilisers, car alarms, and especially vehicle trackers can greatly reduce the risk of theft and vandalism.
Additionally, community collaboration and active participation in local police initiatives play a crucial role in creating a safer environment for all Scots. By taking these steps, we can collectively combat car crime and safeguard our vehicles against potential threats.
If you need some help in choosing the very best tracker for you, whether you live in Scotland or not, our dedicated, friendly team are on hand Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm to assist you. Whatever your circumstances, we can help. Just give us a call on 0330 043 3993 and we’ll be happy to help. Remember, we can come to you anywhere in the UK at a time and place that suits you to install your tracker.
Car crime remains a prevalent concern in many cities worldwide, and Manchester here in the UK, is no exception.
Following on from a recent blog (linked here) in which we looked at three car crime hotspots in the UK and how they impact those who live and work there, we wanted to delve into those areas in more detail, starting with Manchester.
Despite advancements in vehicle security technology, symbolised by the amazing trackers we sell, criminals continuously adapt their methods to exploit vulnerabilities. It’s a never-ending game of cat-and-mouse and never more prevalent than in large cities like Greater Manchester.
This area and the police force that covers it, are not just limited to the city centre; it also covers large towns like Bolton, Stockport and Rochdale, along with several surrounding smaller suburbs and villages.
The worst district, at least by postcode, is M2 but this includes shopping areas, the Manchester Central Convention Complex (formerly known as the GMEX) and hotel districts, with theft from a motor vehicle representing half of all offences committed here.
As would might expect, car crime drops considerably as you move away from the city centre into the suburbs, with cars parked in the M1 postcode being almost twice as safe as those parked in the city centre but still at a high risk. You’d have to be in M33 to tangibly limit your risk.
Whilst it might seem counter-intuitive, these stats confirm the notion that criminals always prefer the anonymity of bustling shopping districts compared to the quieter suburbs where they might be more noticeable. Hiding in plain sight you might say.
In this article, we delve into the current landscape of car crime in Manchester, exploring recent statistics, common theft techniques employed by thieves and, more importantly, effective preventive measures.
Understanding the Scope
According to recent reports by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), car crime remains a significant issue in the region. Moreover, incidents such as vandalism, break-ins and theft from vehicles contribute to the overall concern regarding vehicle security.
As we’ve previously shown, the city of Manchester has one of the highest rates of car crime in the UK (per 10,000 registered vehicles). In real terms, this means that 3 out of every 10 vehicles are subjected to some form of attack. Hopefully, you’re not one of them.
Methods Employed by Car Thieves
Car thieves employ various tactics ranging from traditional low-fi methods to far more sophisticated techniques. Some of the common strategies include:
Keyless Entry Theft: With the rise of keyless entry systems in almost all modern cars, criminals have adapted by using relay devices to intercept the signals between key fobs and vehicles. By amplifying the key’s signal, thieves can unlock and start vehicles without needing physical access to the keys themselves. You might think they’re safe in your house or bag, but think again.
Jamming Signals: Thieves can also use signal jamming devices to disrupt remote locking systems, preventing owners from properly securing their vehicles. This technique is often employed in crowded areas such as parking lots, where owners may not even notice the failed locking signal.
Lock Picking and Key Cloning: Traditional methods like lock picking and key cloning are still prevalent, especially among more opportunistic thieves. By gaining physical access to the vehicle, criminals can bypass security systems and create duplicates of keys for future thefts.
Towing: Old school for sure, but in some cases, thieves still resort to towing vehicles away to secluded locations where they can dismantle or sell them for parts. Something much more common in larger cities with a steady supply of victims. This method is more common for larger vehicles or those parked in isolated areas. Don’t think that just because you don’t have a luxury or high-end car you’re safe. Thieves looking to steal cars for parts focus on the more ‘everyday’ car because they know the supply for parts is much larger.
Preventive Measures: Safeguarding Your Vehicle
While car crime hotspots like Manchester pose a persistent threat, there are several proactive measures you can take to minimise the risk of theft:
Invest in Security Technology: Consider installing additional security features such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, and immobilisers to deter thieves. High-quality alarm systems with motion sensors and GPS tracking capabilities can also help in recovering stolen vehicles. We have a wide range of these right here in our store.
Secure Parking: Where possible, park your vehicle in well-lit, populated areas. Utilise secure parking facilities with CCTV surveillance and manned patrols to reduce the likelihood of theft.
Key Management: Be vigilant with your key fob and avoid leaving it unattended or visible near entry points. Store keys in a secure location within your home to prevent unauthorised access.
Signal Blocking Devices: To combat relay attacks, consider using signal-blocking pouches (like a Faraday case) or cases to shield key fobs from potential interception. These inexpensive accessories can effectively prevent unauthorised access to your vehicle’s entry system.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your vehicle well-maintained to ensure all security features are functioning correctly. Check for any signs of tampering or attempted theft, such as scratches around the locks or dashboard.
Community Vigilance: Stay informed about car crime trends in your area, no matter where you live, and communicate with neighbours to share information and raise awareness. Reporting suspicious activities to the authorities can help prevent future incidents.
Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage against theft and vandalism. Consider adding comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle in case of theft or damage. We have a range of insurance-approved trackers right here.
There’s no denying that car crime remains a significant concern for motorists in Manchester and across the UK with thieves employing various tactics to steal your vehicles but by understanding the current landscape of car crime and implementing preventive measures, we can help you effectively safeguard your vehicles against theft and vandalism.
By investing in security technology like the incredible trackers in our store, but also practising good key management and staying vigilant, we can all reduce the risk of falling victim to car crime and enjoy peace of mind on the roads of Manchester and further afield.
If you need any help with choosing the right tracker for your car, van, motorbike, motorhome or trailer, please get in touch with our dedicated Customer Support team. They are available between 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993 and will be more than happy to assist you no matter where you live. Remember, UK-wide installations is available at a time and place to suit you.
