CAR thefts have risen by up to 60 per cent in some parts of the UK as experts warned of the danger of "window shopping" criminals during the coronavirus lockdown.
Motoring groups have blamed a lack of police on the streets, and said vehicles owners are at greater risk as the UK continues to be ordered to stay home.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Police figures show that vehicle thefts have risen by up to 60 per cent in parts of the UK between 2016 and 2019.
Nottinghamshire reported the highest increase, followed by Staffordshire with 54 per cent.
Hertfordshire came next at 50 per cent, followed by the West Midlands at 45 per cent, and Surrey at 44 per cent.
Countrywide stats revealed that vehicle thefts were up 21 per cent, while thefts from vehicles rose by 14 per cent.
While the numbers do not cover the coronavirus lockdown, experts have warned about the increased risk as everyone stays at home, reports MailOnline.
Drivers are warned to keep car keys away from front doors and out of sight to deter an opportunistic "window shopping" thieves.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: "Having your car stolen at any time is pretty low, but to have it stolen during lockdown feels pretty below the belt.
"As cars are sat in residential conditions for longer periods it may be giving thieves a chance to 'window shop', before picking out their target.
"Where possible drivers should keep their cars locked in a garage or parked in a well lit place with plenty of CCTV."
Much of the 21 per cent national rise occurred between 2016 and 2018 – with a hike of 14 per cent, followed by a rise of six per cent in 2018-19.
Experts blamed the lack of police on the streets for the increase in car thefts over the past three years.
AA expert Mr Cousens said: "Car thefts over the past few years have increased partly due to a lack of cops in cars patrolling the streets.
"A physical presence is one of the best forms of deterrent for any crime, but with fewer bobbies on the beat, thieves feel they can get away with it."
Tips to deter thieves include double checking door locked with a key fob, switching off keyless technology, fitting a tracker and installing CCTV.
Neil Thomas, director of investigative services at vehicle security firm AX, warned that criminals are "getting smarter".
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Mr Thomas said that criminals can now make "quick returns" on car theft, ratcheting up pressure on the cops.
He said the thieves are "opportunists" and will continue to operate despite the government-mandated lockdown.
The expert said: "During this period of lockdown, it's even more important that car owners remain vigilant and do what they can to keep their car safe.
"While the lockdown may temporally reduce some types of car theft, criminals are using increasingly intelligent ways to steal vehicles and continue to find success."
Britain is expected to be in lockdown until at least next month, but chief medical officer Chris Whitty today admitted the measures may last until 2021.
The UK recorded a further 763 deaths today as the total number of fatalities rose to 18,100 – with the total number of cases being 133,496.
Source: Read Full Article