Motorists cover-up to avoid car vandals

Government statistics claim 457,451 motorists have had their vehicles damaged by vandals in the last year of recorded crimes in England and Wales - the true figure is likely to be more than three times this, according to new research.

Vehicle vandalism is one of the most common crimes in Britain. Key scratching, kicking in body panels, breaking off door mirrors, snapping wiper blades and smashing car windows are all too common occurrences. Most of the crimes are carried out by mindless thugs and hooligans, especially on a Friday and Saturday night, often fuelled by the British binge drinking culture. Neighbourhood grievances, family feuds and jealousy are also a common excuse for the sickening damage created by cowardly individuals who believe there is little chance of being caught, and even if captured doing their dirty deed, the consequences would be, well, negligible.

According to a recent survey, most crimes are not reported to the Police. The victims believe there is only a slim chance of catching the criminal and crimes go unreported unless the car owner requires a Police crime number to make an insurance claim. Most incidents of minor vandalism are not claimed on the insurance, the owner preferring not to risk a hike in car insurance at renewal.

A survey carried out by mail order specialist Carparts-direct.co.uk found that 28% of motorists questioned had suffered some kind of vandalism to their vehicle in the last three years. Most suffered scratches to paintwork whilst parked, a snapped aerial or dented body panel whilst some suffered major damage causing thousands of pounds worth of repairs. Only 32% of the victims questioned reported the incident to the Police.

The survey resulted in the development of a range of specially designed Tybond car covers that can be fitted over a vehicle in a couple of minutes. Various sizes are available for saloons, estates, MPVs and 4x4s. The product was originally developed for protecting vehicles from the elements and for car storage. The special Tybond fabric is soft, strong, waterproof and importantly breathable to avoid build up of moss. The UK distributor claims a significant increase in sales from customers looking for added protection from vandals.

Mark Cornwall of Carparts-direct.co.uk said, "We have customers who use our car covers whilst parked up at work, at railway stations and while shopping. Owners will cover their car when parked on the drive overnight, it keeps the car clean, prevents frost and it discourages thieves and acts as a deterrent to vandalism. It’s just one more barrier against the mindless criminal. It won’t stop the problem; it just means the criminal is more likely to target another vehicle."