UK police forces didn’t attend 72% of reported car thefts in 2023, newly released figures show amid growing concerns about car security. That’s up 3% from 2021, however an increase in the total number of car thefts means 33% more incidents went unattended in 2023 than in 2021.
The data was obtained by the Liberal Democrats which sent Freedom of Information requests to all 39 police forces in England. 23 forces responded with the total number of car thefts in their area, and the number of those thefts that were attended and investigated further.
42,231 car thefts were reported in 2023, of which just 11,842 were attended by a police officer. In 2021, there were 33,121 thefts reported, with 10,321 attended.
Of the forces that responded, Cambridgeshire came out worst. The data showed its officers attended just 10% of reported car thefts. Wiltshire put in the best performance, attending 88% of reported thefts. Only four of the 23 forces that submitted data attended more than 50% of the car thefts reported in their area.
In absolute terms, Surrey had the lowest number of thefts, with just 243 reported. However, only 19% were attended. The West Midlands showed by far the highest number of thefts, with over 16,000 reported, of which just 21% were attended.
The rise in car thefts since 2021 has been linked to an increase in the number of so-called keyless car thefts. Criminals use scanners to detect the signal broadcasted by a car’s keyless entry fob, then ‘clone’ the signal to a device that allows them to unlock the car and drive away. The problem has been particularly acute with certain models of Range Rover, causing insurance premiums to skyrocket and forcing Land Rover to devise a fix.
The UK Government proposed a ban on the sale of devices used to commit keyless car theft – which are openly available to buy online – in the 2023 King’s speech. However, that legislation has yet to materialise.
The Liberal Democrats drew a link between the unattended car theft figures and a national shortage of police detectives. Party leader Ed Davey said: ‘These figures are shocking and show the government has failed to get a grip on the car theft epidemic across the country.
‘These failings cannot be ignored for a moment longer. The Conservative Government must finally produce a strategy to tackle the shortage of detectives.”
The Government hasn’t responded to the figures.
What it means for you
That so many car thefts go unattended may well cause concern among car owners and may further fuel increasing insurance premiums. But you can take measures to help prevent your car being stolen.
Faraday pouches prevent keyless entry fobs being detected by signal scanners. A tracker will trace the car after it’s been stolen. Security lights outside your home may deter thieves and security cameras could help identify them. Even old-school measures such as a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp could also thwart a thief.
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