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Wales Online
5 days 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
6 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.'
