You may have seen it in the news already but car crime in Birmingham has surged recently, positioning this great city among the top locations for vehicle-related offences in the UK.
With over 1300 incidents recorded just in March 2023, sadly Birmingham ranks as a significant hotspot for car crime, and the West Midlands region overall has one of the highest vehicle crime rates in the country.
Here’s an in-depth look at the current figures, crime hotspots and protective steps we think car owners like you can take, no matter where you live.
Car Crime in Birmingham and the West Midlands: A Growing Concern
Birmingham and its surrounding West Midlands area have experienced significant vehicle crime, reflecting a national trend that sees the region as a top area for such incidents.
According to the most recent statistics, vehicle crimes in the West Midlands have reached 11.49 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it the region with the highest car crime rate in the UK.
In comparison, the national vehicle crime rate is 5.8 per 1,000 people, illustrating the severity of the situation locally.
In Birmingham, as you might expect, specific areas are more affected than others. Neighbourhoods such as North Central & Dartmouth Circus, Digbeth, and Winson Green & Gib Heath have reported especially high rates of vehicle crime.
For instance, Dartmouth Circus alone experienced 77 incidents in March 2023. Additionally, nearby regions like Wolverhampton and Coventry are also affected, contributing to the overall West Midlands high crime rate.
Vehicle Crime Statistics: A Breakdown
The most recent police records show a high incidence of vehicle crimes such as theft, vandalism, and tampering.
As of August 2024, car crime rates remain elevated despite a slight 10% decline from the previous year. However, Birmingham’s overall crime rate is 193% of the national average, with vehicle crime comprising approximately 9.4% of all reported crimes in the area.
West Midlands Police have faced challenges with a large number of cases remaining unsolved. Over 63% of vehicle crime cases in the region were closed without identifying a suspect. This low-resolution rate highlights the need for improved security measures and community vigilance among residents.
Crime Hotspots in the West Midlands
There are some key areas in Birmingham that come with a reputation for high vehicle crime rates including North Central & Dartmouth Circus – 77 incidents in March 2023, Digbeth – 47 incidents, Winson Green & Gib Heath – 29, Central Birmingham – 28 and Newtown and Handsworth also report high rates of car theft and break-ins.
Each of these neighbourhoods represents a higher risk for vehicle-related crimes, particularly late at night and in secluded parking areas.
Measures to Protect Against Car Crime
Given the prevalence of car thefts and tampering, we encourage vehicle owners everywhere to adopt a range of protective measures to help keep thieves at bay.
1. Install a Vehicle Tracker
I know it sounds obvious given what we do, but a vehicle tracker is still one of the most effective tools for recovering stolen vehicles. In the event of theft, a tracker can help the Police locate and retrieve a vehicle more quickly.
There are several types of trackers available to suit every car and every budget, all with a range of features to help keep your precious vehicle secure. You can check out our full range in our online store.
2. Use Steering Locks and Immobilisers
They might feel a little old-school now, but steering locks are visible deterrents that make stealing a vehicle more difficult. These are inexpensive yet effective, and they deter thieves by indicating that a vehicle will be harder to tamper with.
Aside from trackers, electronic immobilisers can also prevent a car from being started without the correct key, making them an essential yet cost-effective security measure.
You can find our complete range of immobilisers here.
3. Park Wisely
Often overlooked but still a viable strategy is to park, when you can, in well-lit and busy areas. Choosing an illuminated and/or busy place to park is essential, as dark and isolated locations are prime targets for thieves. Multi-story parking lots with CCTV are also safer options.
If you’re at home, then for residents with a driveway, installing gates or motion-sensor lights can deter criminals. If a garage is available park inside it as using it reduces exposure to potential theft significantly.
4. CCTV, Dash Cams and Ring Doorbells
Surveillance technology can help deter theft, especially for residents with driveways. Modern doorbell cameras can capture footage of the street, making it harder for thieves to act unnoticed. Even dash cams installed in neighbours’ cars might also help you.
CCTV has proven to reduce car crime in residential neighbourhoods and adds another layer of evidence for police investigations.
5. Secure Valuables
Thieves often break into cars to steal visible valuables rather than the vehicle itself. If you’re leaving your car, remove any valuable items from view and, if possible, from the car entirely is a good habit to reduce the chance of break-ins.
6. Consider Smart Alarms
Modern smart alarms can notify car owners through their smartphones if an attempt is made to break into their vehicle. Some smart alarms can also be paired with many of the tracking devices we sell, creating a double layer of security.
How the Community Can Help
While individual measures are crucial, collaborative efforts are also valuable when it comes to moving forward in the battle against car thieves.
Community watch programs, where neighbours keep an eye out for unusual behaviour and report suspicious activity, have proven effective in several Birmingham neighbourhoods.
By joining or organising a community watch, residents can support each other and discourage criminal activity.
The high car crime rate in Birmingham and the West Midlands has rightly led to concerns among residents and local authorities.
While the Police continue efforts to curb these incidents, personal security measures such as trackers, smart alarms and secure parking are increasingly necessary for protection.
Whether you live in Birmingham or not, we have a range of car trackers and other security devices that can make a real difference when it comes to securing your car, bike, van or motorhome. Just our dedicated customer service team a ring to discuss what you need and we can help get you the tracker you need and even come to you to install it. Call us on 0330 043 3993 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm – and let’s get your car safe and secure. Bostin!
