Back in the mid-1990s, car theft was a massive issue in the UK and security feature fitment was low across all vehicles. Since then however, the UK has been one of the world leaders in lowering the number of vehicle thefts – reducing reported figures by over 66% since the year 2000.

Instrumental in this success has been Thatcham, in particular their introduction of extensive and comprehensive security approval criteria for the insurance industry. The impact of their criteria on theft figures has allowed them to expand their influence overseas in recent years, with SBD reporting on their involvement in both Russia and Sweden in the past 18 months. Back in the UK, official statistics point to a continued decline – but does this give a true analysis of UK vehicle crime in 2010?

The latest information from SBD suggests that in response to modern vehicle security systems, thieves are choosing to steal the vehicle key instead. Further analysis suggests that up to 80% of new vehicles stolen are taken using the vehicle key, and that the number of vehicles obtained through fraudulent means is also increasing rapidly. However, these missing vehicles are not included as part of vehicle theft statistics, but are instead included under home burglary and fraud categories. Elsewhere, police reports mention a rise in ‘black box’ theft, where Organised Criminal Groups (OCGs) are using high-technology electronic tools to steal vehicles in just a few minutes.

LCVs are also increasing in popularity with thieves who can sell both the vehicle and its contents. It is no surprise that 36% of LCV customers now consider security as the most important consideration when purchasing their new vehicle.

Statistics may say that vehicle theft continues to decrease in the UK but the real situation could be very different based on OCGs using high-technology attacks or taking vehicle keys during home burglaries. In 2010, we have already seen a trend reversal in the Netherlands and Germany with car thefts increasing. So, if the UK is going to avoid a similar rise in actual vehicle theft numbers, vehicle security should remain in an important factor in the minds of industry stakeholders.

For more information on Car theft and insurance in the UK or SBD’s market analysis on vehicle security and theft trends in other global markets, contact Juanita Appleby on jappleby@sbd.co.uk