UK households with driveways are being urged to install substantial gates or physical barriers as an epidemic of car cannibalism sweeps the nation. The trend is particularly acute in Birmingham, where incidents are widespread.
Chop shop surge
Clive Wain, vehicle theft expert and Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, explained: 'When the pandemic halted new car manufacturing, the UK experienced a surge in demand for used cars and a worrying increase in thefts of older vehicles and parts. An influx of chop shops – illegal body shops used to disassemble stolen vehicles for parts – emerged nationwide to support car-theft rings and organised crime gangs.'
Wain added: 'This continues to be a significant concern for police and car owners. This year, the number of illegal chop shops we have helped uncover has more than doubled compared to the whole of 2022.'
Car cannibalism on the rise
'With this new trend of car cannibalisation running alongside the rise of chop shops, the need to ramp up vehicle security has never been more important,' Wain said. 'Whether it happens inside illegal chop shops or at the roadside, criminals are removing headlights, bumpers, batteries, engines, steering wheels, and other high-value parts to sell for cash or on the black market.'
Criminals are working around the clock to steal cars for parts, selling them to criminal networks not only in the UK but also in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Cost-of-living crisis fuels demand
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is increasing demand for cheaper parts and motivating criminals to steal sought-after components. Wain stressed: 'Drivers must do all they can to deter criminals from targeting their cars.'
Tracker advises on its website: 'Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive; physical barriers will make thieves think twice. Don’t advertise your belongings: never leave them on show; lock them in the boot or take them with you to avoid attracting opportunistic thieves.'
