UK regions where drivers face the worst rates of car thefts

New research has identified that incidents of vehicle thefts have been soaring across Wales in recent years, with Dyfed-Powys Police seeing a 428 per cent rise since 2019.

Dyfed-Powys Police, which covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, saw the highest rise in car theft around the country with a massive 52 per cent jump.

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Experts are calling on drivers to take steps to improve their car safety

In the 12-month period, Gwent, in South East Wales, saw rates increase by a concerning 20 per cent, although this pales in comparison to the 37 per cent increase over the last five years.

The analysis, which used official Home Office data and a freedom of information request, found that North and South Wales have seen significant rises in the last year.

Steve Ramsey, managing editor for motoring at Go.Compare, said: “While vehicle thefts in the UK fell last year, there were still more incidents than five years ago, and certain areas continue to experience worrying increases.

“It’s clear that more needs to be done to improve security. If you live in an area where thefts are rising, consider taking some extra steps to protect your car.”

The City of London saw the biggest drop in car thefts between 2023 and 2024

Biggest problem increases in vehicle thefts by police force area (2023-2024)

1. Dyfed-Powys – 52 per cent
2. Gwent – 20 per cent
3. Police Scotland – 14 per cent
4. North Wales – 14 per cent
5. Wiltshire – 12 per cent
6. Bedfordshire – 11 per cent
7. Sussex – 10 per cent
8. South Wales – nine per cent
9. Northamptonshire – nine per cent
10. West Mercia – eight per cent

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However, there are some areas across the UK which have seen a drop in vehicle thefts, with the City of London seeing a 39 per cent reduction from 2023 to 2024.

While theft numbers improved slightly, it was still the second biggest hotspot in the UK, with one theft for every 91 vehicles. The City only fell behind Greater London.

Regions across the North of England also fell in the last 12 months, including Cleveland, Northumbria, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

Ramsey added: “Unfortunately, crime rates do impact insurance prices, so you might pay a higher premium if you live in an area where thefts are more common. Claiming for a theft could result in increased costs, too, but comparing policies makes sure that the impact on your wallet is kept to a minimum.”

Biggest decreases in vehicle thefts by police force area (2023-2024)

1. City of London – 39 per cent
2. Cleveland – 25 per cent
3. Greater Manchester – 19 per cent
4. Northumbria – 18 per cent
5. Merseyside – 18 per cent
6. Cambridgeshire – 15 per cent
7. Surrey – 13 per cent
8. Hampshire and Isle of Wight – 11 per cent
9. West Yorkshire – 11 per cent
10. Cheshire – nine per cent