Motoring consultants from My Motor World are issuing a warning to drivers of the dangers to their autos.
All drivers have been issued a warning over automobile cannibalism being “on the rise”. Motoring consultants from My Motor World are issuing a warning to drivers of the dangers to their autos.
Claims information from Admiral Insurance coverage has proven that thefts of parking sensors quadrupled from 2023 to 2024 with steering wheels additionally being a goal for thieves. The development of stripping a automobile for components is fuelling a rise in unlawful “chop outlets” the place car parts are bought on the black market.
One of the best ways to guard your automobile from thieves is to maintain it out of sight. However even you probably have been focused, there are nonetheless methods you may deter a theft in progress or probably get better your stolen components afterwards.
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At all times park your automobile in a secure space, even when parking for brief durations. For lengthy stays, personal automobile parks and garages are the most secure as they’re often locked and have CCTV or different safety measures in place.
Nevertheless, in case you don’t have entry to considered one of these, then a well-lit space with numerous footfall could also be sufficient of a deterrent. Since most of the components being stolen are from the entrance of the car, it could possibly be helpful to park dealing with a wall the place attainable to make the theft harder. At all times be certain that your car is locked and take your keys with you — not solely is that this safer, however many automobile insurance coverage premiums received’t pay out in case you haven’t correctly secured your automobile.
It’s unlikely you’ll ever get better your components if they’re stolen however marking them could make it simpler for the police to determine, which implies you probably might get your stolen components again. In some instances, marked components is usually a deterrent if the thief notices the marking, as they’ll be extra reluctant to steal a component that may be traced. Folks shopping for the components can also realise they’ve been stolen in the event that they’re marked, and if that’s the case, they might be extra prone to contact the police.
Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World feedback: “Like grand theft auto, automobile cannibalism is one other huge fear for automobile house owners. As a result of the components which can be stolen are so onerous to retrieve and are of comparatively little worth, it’s impossible you’ll get them again. Taking precautions in opposition to theft and guaranteeing you could have insurance coverage are the perfect methods to guard your automobile from cannibalism.
“Chances are you’ll discover it helpful to maintain a provide of spares in your house or a safe storage, significantly for components like lights. In case your car is cannibalised, you may then rapidly set up a brand new half and be again on the highway very quickly.”
