Better security sees car thefts drop 70% in a decade

THE number of cars stolen in the UK has dropped by 70 per cent in a decade.

In 2014, 69,547 cars were stolen in England and Wales compared with 231,323 stolen vehicles in 2004.

These figures show vehicle theft is at its lowest since 1968 when there were far fewer cars on the roads in the UK compared with today’s total of 36 million.

The drop in theft rates is attributed to ongoing efforts by car makers to prevent car thieves stealing vehicles. However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which represents car makers, is calling for more detailed data of thefts.

It says this will help identify trends so car makers and the police can better deal with theft.