The Car Theft Epidemic: Cars stolen and sold overseas
In 2022, the security camera of Logan LaFreniere caught two men stealing his pickup truck outside his house in Ontario, Canada. After making off with his vehicle, it was never recovered. A few months later, Logan found the truck being advertised for sale in Ghana, 8,500 kilometres away.
He recognised his car because of the same litter on the back seat and the attached laptop holder. That year, 2022, more than 105,000 cars were stolen in Canada, that’s one car every five minutes. Interpol listed Canada as a top 10 country for car theft, hence the police have had to issue public bulletins to inform the people on preventative car safety measures. The man in charge, Canada’s justice minister, had his Toyota stolen twice in this time.
Insurers had to payout £860million in Canadian vehicle theft claims in 2022. Because of the international insurance market, incidents such as these cause car insurance to increase across the world. We investigate what British car owners can learn from Canada’s increased security measures that are now commonplace in homesteads.
Why is car theft on the rise?
The car theft increase is directly linked to the global car shortage post-pandemic. Demand has increased for both new and old vehicles, therefore the reward is higher for the risk. Organised crime groups know which cars are more desirable and which are easier to sell quickly.
Criminal gangs use ports to store and export stolen goods. Jaguar Land Rover have recently spent thousands to fund police resources at ports, hoping to thwart stolen exports.
England and Wales sees a rate of 220 thefts per 100,000 people. With the rise in the cost of living, more people are resorting to crime. They target typically more expensive cars, however thieves have been known to force entry to steal items such as sat navs, sports equipment, laptops, purses and mobile phones.
Best Car Security Measures to reduce the likelihood of car theft
Car trackers
A popular solution, placing a tracker on your car will assist with recovery and possibly help to identify the thieves. Many insurers will offer slightly improved premiums alongside a tracker. They have a compatible app which will show recordings of location, speeds and time on the road.
For businesses, car trackers on fleets are an excellent solution for recording and improving driving habits and fuel consumption. Car trackers can help businesses provide more accurate delivery times and updates for customers.
Car immobilisers
Invisible car immobilisers can be activated remotely and prevent thieves driving away with your vehicle. This cost effective solution may need to be professionally installed, but can offer a ‘no pin no start’ immobilisation.
Physical Defence
Retractable bollards are being installed across many homes in Canada. Similar to those seen in city centres, retractable bollards prevent a car from being driven away and are ideal for both residencies and businesses. Retractable bollard installation businesses are popping up and are in large demand.
Electric gates are also a solution, able to be activated remotely. Garage doors also provide a physical block, but require the space, as well as the keys or remote devices to be kept safely stored away.
Security cameras and security lighting
Car spaces and garages should all have CCTV, watching and recording what goes on around where your car is parked. Security cameras often have night vision, and will record incidents so you have evidence for your case, useful for both police and insurance companies. With Ai technology, cameras will be motion activated and therefore won’t use up an excessive amount of energy.
A driveway security light will instantly light up when an intruder approaches, hopefully scaring them away, as well as any wildlife.
Tamper resistant screws in number plates
Criminals will look to swap out your number plate after stealing your car. This way the car is harder to detect and easier to shift while avoiding speeding tickets. However, if you use security screws, criminals will have a much more difficult time removing your plates.
Fit anti-tamper wheels
Stolen wheels are valuable. Wheels will either be sold or scrapped, and the more expensive the wheels the more desirable they are to thieves. Effective locking wheel nuts can be bought or upgraded onto your car; these will reduce the risk of your car’s wheels being stolen.
Consider the inside and outside of your vehicles
Roof racks, ladders, top boxes all can be stolen and should be secured whenever the car is left for extended periods of time.
Ensure your vehicle is locked and windows are shut. Keep sunroofs closed and use padlocks to secure any tool chests.
A steering wheel lock will deter thieves – be sure to purchase one with a high secure rating. Anti-drill and anti-pick steering locks should be considered, and make sure to turn your steering wheel before attaching.
Fleet Insurance through a dedicated broker
If you own more than a couple of vehicles then Fleet Insurance may be the best insurance option for you. If you are a high net worth individual, then consider our Private Clients insurance solutions.
Choosing a dedicated broker such as Romero Insurance Brokers, to arrange your Fleet Insurance will save additional money, time and stress. We will manage the policy for you, ensuring you receive the best terms for the best premiums.
Our account handlers will always be on hand – and will provide advice on the best technology to invest in, how to maintain your vehicles and the most efficient ways to minimise accidents; so we can help to bring your premiums down.
