Drivers have been issued a stark warning as ‘car cannibals’ are stripping vehicles of their parts, even in broad daylight. The alarming rise in thefts has seen motorists and road users urged to be vigilant as these criminals target valuable car parts.
The price for these parts has surged by approximately 35 per cent, leading offenders to steal rather than fork out for replacements. Shockingly, data from last year revealed that police forces discovered 72 per cent more illegal operations than in 2022.
Clive Wain, a vehicle theft expert and head of police liaison at Tracker, explained that the production of new parts has been impacted by various global factors. Mr Wain said: “This, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, has seen demand grow for quality second-hand parts leading to this latest car crime spate.”
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He continued: “Even basic parts prices like discs, brake pads and wiper blades have shot up, so car cannibalisation can be a very lucrative market for criminals.” Mr Wain further warned that the surge in cases, along with the increase in chop shops, signifies an “urgent need to ramp up vehicle security”.
These crimes occur either inside illegal chop shops or brazenly at the side of the road, he cautioned. Criminals are stealing items such as headlights and steering wheels, which are then sold for cash or on the black market, both domestically and internationally, reports Birmingham Live.
According to The Sun, some of the most prized models include the Vauxhall Corsa, the Toyota Yaris, the Ford Fiesta and the Renault Clio. Mr Wain advised drivers to “do all they can to deter criminals from targeting their car” regardless of its location. Mr Wain also recommended investing in a dashcam or visible CCTV, and prioritising well-lit areas for parking, as well as secure driveways or garages.
He further suggested ensuring your alarm is up-to-date and consider installing a “substantial gate”, which would serve as a “physical barrier for the car” if it’s parked on a driveway.
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