UK car thefts have surged to a 15-year high, with nearly 130,000 incidents reported, prompting the government to introduce new legislation targeting sophisticated electronic devices used by criminals.
Car thefts in the UK have reached a staggering 15-year high, with nearly 130,000 incidents reported to police during the 2023/24 period. Experts attribute this alarming trend to the rise of ‘smart keys’ and keyless entry systems, which criminals are increasingly exploiting using sophisticated electronic devices. The Daily Mail reports that such devices, which are roughly the size of an iPad, allow thieves to emulate electronic fobs, granting them quick access to a range of high-end vehicles.
Statistics reveal a worrying increase in vehicle-related crimes, with around 700,000 break-ins recorded alongside the car thefts, marking the highest levels since the 2008/09 period. This surge in automobile theft is linked to technological vulnerabilities that manufacturers have yet to address, as highlighted by campaigners advocating for improved vehicle security. According to Admiral, the UK’s largest motor insurer, about two-thirds of cars stolen in 2023 were keyless, and official data indicates that in 40 percent of vehicle thefts, the thief manipulated the signal from the remote locking device.
Amid the rising thefts, the UK government is preparing to enact new legislation aimed at banning the use of electronic devices employed in car theft, including signal jammers. Those who manufacture or sell these devices could face up to five years in prison and potentially unlimited fines.
Policymakers, including Sadiq Khan, have called on car manufacturers to address the design flaws that make modern vehicles susceptible to theft. Metropolitan Police data reflects a similar increase in thefts in London, with distressing footage capturing masked thieves hacking into targeted vehicles parked in residential driveways.
Recent incidents illustrate the alarming efficiency of these crimes. In one case, a man had his £25,000 Ford Ranger stolen in under a minute from his driveway. CCTV footage showed how one thief approached the car while another stood near the house with a signal-scanning device. Another case involved a Bentley Bentayga worth £169,000, which was stolen in a similarly swift manner, with the criminals using advanced hacking devices to duplicate the vehicle’s key signals and gain access.
Legal consequences for such crimes have been severe. A recent case involving Perry Lovejoy, Luke Jackson, Billy Harrison, and Harry Sales resulted in the four men receiving sentences totalling 12-and-a-half years for their roles in a conspiracy to steal luxury vehicles. Additionally, an organised crime gang that amassed over £215,000 in luxury vehicles was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for their crimes.
In another incident, Lillie Powell witnessed the theft of her Range Rover, which involved the use of a device that replicated her key fob’s signal. When authorities recovered her vehicle, she faced a £192 retrieval charge to reclaim it.
The forthcoming legislative changes will alter the burden of proof regarding the possession of electronic devices linked to vehicle theft. Under the new laws, individuals must demonstrate that they are using such devices for legitimate purposes. Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson, expressed concern for the victims of these thefts, stating that these incidents have a “devastating effect” on individuals who rely on their vehicles for daily activities.
As the government collaborates with law enforcement agencies to tackle vehicle crime, new powers are set to be granted to police officers and courts targeting the use of these electronic devices. The efforts are aligned with the Safer Streets mission and a broader “Plan for Change,” aimed at safeguarding the public and reducing the impact of vehicle theft on everyday life.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/uk/news/auto-motor/uk-car-theft-rate-drops–whats-driving-the-change-525066.aspx – This article discusses the decline in UK car thefts and the efforts by law enforcement and manufacturers to address the issue, which aligns with the broader context of car theft trends in the UK.
- https://movingintelligence.co.uk/blogs/general-news/most-stolen-cars-in-the-uk-in-2024 – This source provides data on the most stolen cars in the UK in 2024, highlighting models like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf, which are often targeted due to their popularity and security vulnerabilities.
- https://www.courts.michigan.gov/49008a/siteassets/publications/benchbooks/evidence/evidbb.pdf – Although not directly related to UK car theft, this document discusses legal aspects of evidence handling, which can be relevant to understanding how legal systems approach vehicle theft cases.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10311201/ – This article touches on the use of digital evidence in criminal cases, which is relevant to the investigation of car thefts involving sophisticated electronic devices.
- https://fleetworld.co.uk/one-car-stolen-every-8-5-minutes-in-2024/ – This article provides statistics on car thefts in the UK, including the frequency of thefts and the most targeted models, which supports the claim of a high incidence of vehicle theft.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative discusses recent data from the 2023/24 period, indicating it is relatively fresh. However, it does not provide the most current updates beyond that period.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
There are no direct quotes from original sources that could be verified online. The narrative includes statements from officials but lacks specific dates or original sources for these quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication. However, it is essential to cross-check information with other reputable sources to ensure accuracy.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about car thefts and keyless entry vulnerabilities are plausible and align with recent trends. The narrative provides specific examples and statistics to support its assertions.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be generally reliable, discussing a current issue with plausible claims and statistics. However, it lacks verifiable quotes and could benefit from cross-checking with additional sources for absolute confirmation.
