More than 100,000 vehicles were stolen in London alone last year and with millions expected to hit the road for the upcoming Spring bank holiday (26 May), drivers are being urged to protect their vehicles from theft.
With car theft statistics highlighting the surge in car theft rates, the experts at Zego have offered five expert-backed tips to help drivers protect their vehicles during the busy travel season.
Five tips to keep your car safe from theft this bank holiday
1. Use a steering wheel lock
It is simple, but effective! A steering wheel lock costs as little as £5 and is a visible deterrent that makes it harder and slower to steal a car, especially for thieves using relay technology.
Bonus Tip: Hook your seatbelt through the wheel as a backup if you don’t have a lock! It’s not foolproof, but adds an extra layer of hassle for thieves.
2. Etch your VIN into all windows
Having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) chemically etched into every window makes your car traceable and less attractive to thieves. Replacing all windows is costly, and many buyers avoid VIN-etched cars due to their traceability. You can get this done at an auto-shop, or buy an online DIY kit and do it yourself.
3. Beware of illegal tow trucks
Criminal gangs have been known to use unmarked or fake tow trucks to steal vehicles in broad daylight. If a tow truck seems suspicious (e.g. no uniform, an unbranded truck), take photos, ask for ID and report them immediately.
4. Protect your car from key hacking
58% of car thefts in the UK last year happened through key hacking, which is why it’s crucial to take necessary steps to minimise the chances of that happening. There are a few measures you can take:
- Disable your keyless car entry – In most cases you should be able to disable it on your own through the infotainment system, the instrument cluster or the key fob, but it’s best to contact your car manufacturer first to get specific instructions for your particular vehicle.
- Signal-block your car keys – Using a Faraday pouch to store your keys in is the most efficient way to do so, as its metallic material lining helps block radio-frequency signals.
- Place your keys away from doors and windows – Storing your keys near entry points in your home increases the chances of thieves intercepting the signal from your key fob – keep them further inside to minimise the risk.
5. Turn your wheels to the curb when parking
Another simple, yet overlooked deterrent – turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking. Doing so makes it harder for thieves to quickly tow or roll your car away and adds resistance for anyone trying to jack up the car and remove the wheels.
England’s top 10 areas with the most car thefts
| Rank | Police Force Area | Average Car Thefts Per Day | Average Yearly Car Thefts Per 10,000 People | Total Yearly Car Thefts* |
| 1 | Metropolitan Police | 288 | 118 | 105,100 |
| 2 | West Midlands | 91 | 114 | 33,193 |
| 3 | Greater Manchester | 51 | 65 | 18,667 |
| 4 | West Yorkshire | 49 | 77 | 18,046 |
| 5 | Thames Valley | 37 | 57 | 13,564 |
| 6 | Essex | 37 | 71 | 13,494 |
| 7 | South Yorkshire | 33 | 86 | 12,093 |
| 8 | Avon and Somerset | 28 | 59 | 10,101 |
| 9 | Kent | 27 | 61 | 9,870 |
| 10 | Hampshire | 26 | 66 | 9,495 |
*figures for the year period 2023-2024
Please find the complete dataset of all 39 areas analysed in this folder.
