England’s ‘most dangerous’ car park, according to a new study, is home to the biggest shopping centre in the UK.
Keyed doors and vandalism barely scratches the surface of the 741 crimes committed at Westfield London between February 2023 and January 2024, according to Howden Insurance.
The research, which examined official police data, underscores the escalating concerns about how safe we and our cars are. Shockingly the total number of crimes reported at Westfield London’s car park, averages out as two incidents daily.
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Shoplifting was the most common offence with 237 incidents, followed by other thefts (152) and theft from the person (111).
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Furthermore, there were 91 reports of violence and sexual offences, making it the country’s most crime-infested car park. The airport’s parking area recorded 689 crimes, securing its second place, reports the Express.
The majority were other thefts (184), followed by 150 instances of antisocial behaviour.
Gatwick Airport, with a total of 580 crimes, takes the third spot. The airport witnessed 203 incidents of other thefts, 98 cases of shoplifting, and 55 instances of violence and sexual offences, indicating that airports are particularly susceptible to theft-related crimes.
Houndshill Car Park in Blackpool ranks fourth with 565 reported crimes, including 205 shoplifting incidents and 122 antisocial behaviour cases. Violence and sexual offences were also significant, with 104 reports.
(Image: Getty Images)
Hyde Park’s parking area completes the top five with 527 crimes. The most common crime was theft from the person (155), followed by violence and sexual offences (119) and other thefts (106).
The Westminster area, where Hyde Park is situated, reported 3,736 crimes in or around parking areas, making it the second worst region for car park crime. A spokesperson for Howden Insurance highlighted the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in car parks, accounting for 55,730 incidents over the year, significantly higher than vehicle crime (10,896 incidents).
They advised drivers to park in well-lit, visible areas and to conceal any valuables to deter potential thieves. “As the data suggests, violence and sexual offences are more than five times more likely on or near a parking area than vehicle crime,” the spokesperson noted.
“Taking precautions such as choosing well-lit spaces and hiding valuables can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim.”
Daily Star has contacted to Westfield for comment.
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