Car theft halved in the last five years

Car thefts have halved in the last five years, according to Churchill Car Insurance.

Based on the number of cars in the UK and theft claim frequency, the insurer's analysis calculates that car thefts have fallen from 504,000 in 2000 to just over a quarter of a million in 2005.

Darren McCauley, Head of Car Insurance at Churchill said, "Security systems in cars have become much more sophisticated in recent years. Compulsory fitting of immobilisers in new cars has been a major factor in the reduction of car theft and modern cars are hard to steal unless in possession of the keys. Many of our customers find that their car has been stolen after a break-in at their home, when the car keys have been taken."

The insurer's research reveals a link between age of car and theft frequency and found that older cars are more susceptible to theft. The most commonly stolen cars in the report are either no longer manufactured or now have modern, more secure equivalents. The data shows that the Vauxhall Belmont, which tops the vulnerability list, is over ten times more likely to be stolen than the more recent Citroen Xsara Picasso, one of the safest.

Churchill Insurance Theft Top Ten

Vulnerable targets:
Vauxhall Belmont Merit 1989
Vauxhall Nova 1.2 Luxe 1991
Vauxhall Astra Merit 1994
Rover Maestro Special 1989
Rover Metro GTA 1991
Ford Fiesta LXi 1993
Ford Orion GL 1991
Mercedes 230E Auto 1987
Ford Escort Bonus 1989
Ford Sierra Sapphire 1991

"Our claims experience shows that the most vulnerable cars in the list are unlikely to be stolen for re-sale. Because of their age and lack of sophisticated security systems, they are more likely to be stolen by joy riders or by people using them to get home and then dumping them, because they are easy targets. " added McCauley.

Secure cars:
Citroen Xsara Picasso SX 16v 2000
Honda Jazz SE 2002
Ford Fiesta Zetec 1999
Renault Clio Expression 2003
Ford Mondeo Zetec 2001
Nissan Micra Profile 2001
Skoda Fabia Comfort 2002
Rover 620 1999
Citroen C3 LX 2003
VW Beetle 2001

McCauley continued, "Government figures continue to show a year-on-year fall in car crime, but people still need to take adequate precaution against their car becoming a theft risk. Although security systems are becoming increasingly effective in new cars, drivers should be careful where they keep their keys. Drivers of older cars should fit additional security systems where possible."