The postcode CR0 (Croydon) has, according to new research by Direct Line Motor Insurance, the highest volume of vehicle crime, with 6,005 recorded crimes over the past three years, an average of five every day, or 39 for every 1,000 residents.
In the research, Croydon ranks ahead of NW10 (Brent), N17 (Haringey), E17 (Waltham Forest) and NW2 (Barnet), with the highest-ranking non-London postcode being LE3 (Leicester) in seventh place.
The company said vehicle crime is a broad definition used by police forces that defines illegal activity such as theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, aggravated vehicle taking and interference with a motor vehicle.
Lorraine Price, head of motor insurance at Direct Line, said: “It is troubling to see the scale of vehicle crime across the UK.
“These are not isolated incidents; every year thousands of cars are stolen, or damaged as criminals break in to take items left in them.
“No matter where you live in the UK, it is important to be vigilant. Simple steps such as ensuring your vehicle is double locked and parked in a well-lit area may help deter a criminal.”
The B40 postcode in Solihull, West Midlands, had the highest proportion of vehicle crime as a percentage of all recorded crime over the past three years. Almost a quarter (24%) of all crimes in the area related to vehicles.
On a regional level, London dominates the worst areas for vehicle crime, with nearly 10% of all crimes recorded in the capital involving a vehicle. This amounts to more than 321,000 crimes over the past three years, or 293 every day.
The next highest area, the West Midlands, has seen less than half the amount of vehicle crime as London. Meanwhile the safest region for vehicle crime is Northern Ireland, with only 4.6 crimes per 1,000 people.
Professor Rachel Armitage, professor of criminology at the University of Huddersfield, said: “Our research shows vehicle owners need to be vigilant, but there are steps they can take to help protect their vehicles.
“Signs warning of the presence of dogs, gravel driveways and wingmirrors being turned in were all repeatedly mentioned as deterrents when conducting the research.
“Although most vehicles come with sophisticated security measures, criminals often research how to get round them and share intelligence amongst the offender community.
“Simple measures, such as keeping keys out of view, could really make a difference and reduce how appealing a vehicle looks to a criminal.”
