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Wales Online
a day ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Drivers warned of 'car cannibalism' crime sweeping UK
Drivers warned of 'car cannibalism' crime sweeping UK The epidemic of car cannibalism is being fuelled by the trend of stripping a car for parts, with the illegal "chop shops" selling vehicle components on the black market Parking your car inside your garage can be the best way to prevent it from getting stolen (Image: Don Mason via Getty Images) Motorists have been issued a stark warning as car cannibalism is reportedly "on the rise". Motoring experts from My Motor World have warned drivers of the potential risks posed to their vehicles. This comes after new data revealed a Welsh police force area saw over 50% year on year rise in vehicle thefts. Claims data from Admiral Insurance has revealed a fourfold increase in thefts of parking sensors from 2023 to 2024, with steering wheels also becoming a prime target for thieves. In January 2025, multiple luxury cars were stolen in one night at Cardiff's Whitchurch. This trend of stripping cars for parts is fuelling a surge in illegal "chop shops", where stolen vehicle components are sold on the black market. In April 2024, a man who made £178,000 running vehicle 'chop shop' was ordered to pay back £11,255. The most effective way to safeguard your car from thieves is to keep it hidden from view. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here However, even if you've been targeted, there are still measures you can take to deter an ongoing theft or potentially recover your stolen parts afterwards. Always park your car in a secure area, even for brief periods. For longer stays, private car parks and garages are the safest options as they typically feature locks and CCTV or other security measures. If these aren't accessible, then a well-lit area with high foot traffic may serve as a sufficient deterrent. Given that many of the stolen parts are from the front of the vehicle, it could be beneficial to park facing a wall where possible to make theft more challenging, reports Birmingham Live. Always ensure that your vehicle is locked and take your keys with you - not only is this safer, but many car insurance policies won't pay out if you haven't properly secured your car. While it's unlikely you'll recover your parts if they are stolen, marking them can aid the police in identification, potentially enabling you to retrieve your stolen parts. In some instances, marked parts can deter thieves who may be hesitant to steal a part that can be traced. Buyers of these parts might also recognise they have been stolen if they're marked, and could be more inclined to contact the police. Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World, remarks: "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. Article continues below "If your vehicle is cannibalised, you can then quickly install a new part and be back on the road in no time."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued to drivers as 'car cannibalism' cases surge in UK
Drivers in the UK have been issued a warning after a a rise in so-called 'car cannibalism'. A reported increase in 'chop shops' means parked cars have become a target British motorists have been issued a warning following a rise in so-called 'car cannibalism '. Parked cars have been targeted for parts amid an increase in illegal 'chop shops', where stolen vehicle components are sold on the black market. The theft of parking sensors quadrupled from 2023 to 2024, according to claims data from Admiral Insurance, and parts like steering wheels also became a target for thieves. Motorists can protect their vehicles by keeping it out of sight in a garage. For long stays, private car parks and garages are the safest as they are usually locked and have CCTV or other security measures in place. It comes after mindless yobs damage 41 cars in vandalism rampage through sleepy market town. READ MORE: Mindless yobs damage 41 cars in vandalism rampage through sleepy market town There are other ways a person can protect their vehicle if they don't have access to a garage. A well-lit area that has a significant footfall could deter thieves and people should always park their car in a safe area, even when parking for short durations. Motorists could also park their vehicles facing a wall, since many of the parts being stolen are from the front of the vehicle. Drivers should ensure that their vehicle is locked and take their keys with them. This is both safer and important because car insurance premiums won't pay out if a car was not properly secured before it was stolen. People are unlikely to ever recover their car parts if they are stolen but marking them can make it easier for the police to identify, so some could get their stolen parts back. In some cases, marked parts can be a deterrent if the thief notices the marking, as they'll be more reluctant to steal a part that can be traced. People buying the parts may also realise they have been stolen if they're marked, and if so, they may be more likely to contact the police, Birmingham Live reported. Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World, comments: '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.'
Auto Car
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Car cannibalism: the parts theft crisis affecting UK motorists
Thefts of car parking sensors have risen by 300% amid an increase in overall vehicle parts crime across the country, a leading insurer has reported. Admiral Insurance says that last year it recorded 142 claims for stolen parking sensors, compared with 36 claims the previous year, with an additional 104 claims for stolen steering wheels and airbags. 'Parking sensors are easily accessible and have a high resale demand,' said Alex Wyard, director of technical underwriting at Allianz. 'Criminals see parts theft as an easy way to make extra cash, and we have seen an increase in all types of theft relating to cars over the past year. 'New airbags can cost as much as £1200, but thieves sell stolen ones for a fraction of the price. Wing mirrors, catalytic converters, wheels and car emblems are also quick to sell on.' Volkswagen Golf GTI owner Jeremy Merckel is among the latest victims of vehicle parts theft. One morning in March he was woken by a neighbour with the news that thieves had stolen the headlights, front bumper, grille and bonnet from his car. 'I was fuming,' says Merckel, who lives in Sutton Coldfield. 'A neighbour's doorbell camera showed one of the thieves casually walking away carrying the bumper above his head. I've been told the theft probably took no more than three minutes. It's the second time my Golf has been targeted: two years ago, the car's original front bumper was stolen. Surprisingly, the car hadn't been broken into, and apart from missing much of its front end, there was no other damage.' Merckel was warned by his insurer, Ageas UK, that his Golf, registered in 2019, might have to be written off. He says: 'Their first reaction was: 'Oh no, not another one!' But in the end they agreed to pay for the repairs. Within two weeks it was back on the road with a new bumper, grille and lights, but because no new one could be found, a used bonnet. My insurance premium doubled last time, so I'm expecting a similar increase.'
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
'Ghost' insurance scam that could end in £300 fine for victims
Ghost insurance scams, also known as ghost broking, are a type of scam that tricks users into paying for a car insurance policy that doesn't actually exist. Here's what happens if you're caught out A malicious and often elusive insurance scam could leave you not only out of pocket, but also with six points on your licence. 'Ghost' insurance scams, also known as ghost broking, primarily deceive users into paying for a car insurance policy that doesn't actually exist. It is understood that adverts on social media promoting these scams typically target younger drivers who are more likely to pay higher insurance premiums on legitimate policies. As a result, ghost insurance scams usually lure victims by promising exceptionally cheap insurance. In many instances, those who purchase a ghost insurance will even provide an insurance policy number and documents - however, these are usually forgeries. Some ghost insurance scams may sign victims up to a legitimate insurance policy, but extensively lie about the victim's details to the insurance provider without their knowledge. This means that while the victim technically has an insurance policy, they are not really covered by it as the details are not accurate. While victims of these scams may lose a significant amount of money, they could also find themselves in trouble with the police. What happens if you fall for a ghost insurance scam In the UK, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without having at least third-party insurance from a legitimate insurance provider. If someone takes out a ghost insurance policy, they will still face the same punishment of not driving without insurance, even if they were unaware of this fact. Driving without insurance can result in a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points. However, if the case goes to court, the driver could receive an unlimited fine and even be disqualified from driving. W When purchasing a new insurance policy, you should check to see whether the insurance provider is legitimate. One easy way to do this is to see if the provider is registered with the FInancial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA register contains a list of all legitimate financial services in the UK, including insurance providers. Typically, the insurance provider will have their own unique register number with the FCA. For example, Admiral Insurance's number is 219824 while Hastings Direct's number is 969197. The Motor Insurance Database (MID) also allows drivers to check whether their vehicle has an insurance policy in place..
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Households urged to check jewellery insurance cover after gold prices surge
Households are being warned to make sure they are not leaving their gold jewellery under-insured, following jumps in the price of the precious metal to record levels. Gold has been hitting highs as investors rush into 'safe haven' assets amid global market turmoil, following US President Donald Trump's move to unveil sweeping trade tariffs across the globe. Admiral Home Insurance is urging households to review their cover for gold jewellery and luxury watches. Insurers tend to have limits on cover for valuables and some may need specific cover. Admiral said items worth more than £2,000 must be individually listed on its home insurance policies. The company said it dealt with more than 300 claims for watches stolen outside the home in 2023 and 2024. Of these, two-thirds were valued at more than £2,000 and specifically listed on policies, underscoring the need to regularly check valuations. Noel Summerfield, household director at Admiral Insurance, said: 'Providing up-to-date valuations to your insurer is essential so if you do have to make a claim for theft, damage or loss you will be covered for the full value of your items. If something is undervalued, insurers might not pay out its full worth. 'Gold prices have tripled in a decade – if your valuables haven't been revalued in years, now's the time. Depending on the value of your item, your insurer may need you to provide proof of how much it's worth when you add it to your policy. 'However, it's also important to make sure you check the value of your item regularly and, if it changes, you should update your policy to make sure you're fully covered.' – Keep receipts Having proof of the amount paid and the date can also help with tracking changes in an item's value over time. Get a free fractional share worth up to £100. Capital at risk. Terms and conditions apply. – Create an inventory Keep a secure, up-to-date record, including high-quality photos stored safely, such as in the Cloud. – Check the policy small print You may need to list items separately and make sure they have appropriate cover if they are taken out of the home. Individual insurers have their own thresholds and requirements. – Store valuables securely Some people may want to consider storing items locked away. Some insurers require items over a certain value to be stored in a safe. Admiral, for example, requires jewellery, items containing gold, and watches worth more than £10,000 to be stored in a safe. – Keep valuations up to date Many high street jewellers and specialist organisations offer valuation services. If an item's value changes, submit an updated document to your insurer.
