Drivers have been issued a warning as car thefts are on the rise.
Over 8.2 million drivers in the UK could have experienced car part theft, according to new research by the car insurance team at Comparethemarket. The study looked at the most stolen car parts, how much car owners spend to replace them and the locations where the car parts are most vulnerable.
It's been found that wing mirrors are the most stolen part of the car with over 1.4 million UK drivers having had one stolen in the past. Drivers are being warned that it can cost around £1,200 to replace.
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Number plates and wheels are also high on the list, both ranking second, with 13 per cent of drivers having experienced the theft of these items.
With that, the motoring experts shared their top tips to help drivers avoid falling victim to car part theft.
Tips to avoid car part theft
Always fully lock your car
It seems obvious but always make sure you lock all windows and doors, this will prevent thieves from accessing anything inside your vehicle. Plus, many car alarm systems are activated by locking the car.
Be careful where you park
Always aim to park your car away from the road - preferably in a locked garage. If this isn’t an option, then make sure to park in a busy, well-lit area with CCTV cameras installed.
Invest in extra security measures like locking wheel nuts
For maximum security invest in additional safety measures such as locking wheel nuts to secure your wheels and special security screws for your number plate. You could also buy a lock or guard for your catalytic converter.
Use a car cover
Use a car cover to keep your vehicle hidden from view, thieves won’t be able to spot any valuable items like high-tech wing mirrors and may be deterred by the extra effort it would take to remove the cover.
Get comprehensive car insurance
Though comprehensive car insurance won’t prevent any car parts from being stolen, it does mean that the cost to replace them or fix any damage will be covered by your insurance policy.
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