‘Car cannibals’ are plaguing British streets, as motorists have been advised to “do all they can to deter” shifty crims from stripping their vehicles for parts.
The stark warning follows soaring theft rates as the cost of car parts increased by around 35%, leading criminals to steal parts rather than pay for replacements.
Chop shops are up a staggering 72% from 2022 to 2023 as well, which prompted Clive Wain, a vehicle theft expert and head of police liaison at Tracker, to advise motorists “do all they can to deter criminals from targeting their car” regardless of where it is parked.
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The Mirror reports that among his suggestions to help best secure your car, Wain recommended that drivers should consider investing in a dashcam or visible CCTV to deter criminals – and crucially gather evidence should the worst arise.
(Image: Getty Images/RooM RF)
Additionally, he also advised that drivers take care and park in well-lit areas where possible and to choose secure driveways or garages if available.
Taking things one step further, motorists are advised to always keep their car alarm up to date and even suggested considering the installation of practical anti-theft devices such as a “substantial gate” on driveways, that provides a “physical barrier for the car” to stop it from being driven away without an owner’s consent.
Wain said the production of new parts has been impacted by various global factors.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
He said: “This, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, has seen demand grow for quality second-hand parts leading to this latest car crime spate.
“Even basic parts prices like discs, brake pads and wiper blades have shot up, so car cannibalisation can be a very lucrative market for criminals.”
Mr Wain further warned that the surge in cases, along with the rise in chop shops, signifies an “urgent need to ramp up vehicle security” and cautioned that these crimes occur either in illegal chop shops or brazenly at the side of the road in broad daylight.
Criminals are stealing items such as headlights and steering wheels, which are then sold for cash or on the black market, both domestically and internationally.
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