Security
130,000 cars were stolen in the UK last year with 77% of cases never solved
In London, nearly 90 % of car theft cases are unresolved without even identifying the suspect.
Car Theft at a 15-Year High
“The latest Office of National Statistics data showcases how as many as 350 vehicles are stolen in the UK daily with 500 vehicles broken into.”
Car theft in the UK has surged to alarming levels, marking a distressing 15-year high.
In 2023 alone, over 130,000 vehicles were stolen, painting a grim picture for car owners nationwide.
This surge in vehicle theft is not only a significant increase compared to previous years but also highlights a growing concern among the public for safety and security.
Urban Centers Such As London, Birmingham, And Manchester Affected The Most
The impact of this rise in car theft is felt unevenly across the UK, with certain regions becoming hotspots for criminal activity.
Urban centers, especially those with affluent neighborhoods, are witnessing higher rates of theft, as these areas often house newer, more expensive vehicles.
London, Birmingham, and Manchester are among the cities most affected, and residents are increasingly concerned about the safety of their vehicles.
Specific car brands are also more frequently targeted.
Luxury models from manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Range Rover are at the top.
As we will see in the next chapter, the combination of high value and keyless technology makes these vehicles prime targets for criminals.
We Are Paying The Price For Convenience
This increase is partly driven by advancements in car technology, particularly keyless entry systems, which, while convenient, have inadvertently made vehicles more susceptible to theft.
Thieves increasingly exploit relay attacks, intercepting signals from key fobs inside homes to unlock and start cars without physical access to the keys.
This method of car theft is responsible for over a third of all car thefts. It is efficient and leaves little evidence, making it difficult for law enforcement to track and apprehend the perpetrators.
Protecting Your Vehicle: Common Security Measures
In response to the growing threat of car theft, many vehicle owners rely on traditional security measures, such as factory-fitted alarms and immobilizers, steering wheel locks, and GPS tracking devices. However, these methods often have significant limitations.
- Factory-Fitted Alarms and Immobilizers: These are standard features in modern vehicles designed to deter theft by making unauthorized access more challenging. Alarms are triggered when the car is tampered with, while immobilizers prevent the engine from starting without the correct key or fob. However, these systems are increasingly proving ineffective against sophisticated theft techniques like relay attacks. Thieves can bypass these factory-fitted measures, unlocking and starting the vehicle without triggering the alarm. Or even if the alarm is triggered, nobody cares about it since 95 % of alarms we hear daily are false.
- Steering Wheel Locks and Physical Barriers: Physical deterrents like steering wheel locks serve as visible signals to potential thieves that the vehicle is protected. These devices can prevent the steering wheel from turning or immobilizing the car’s controls, making it difficult for thieves to drive the car away. However, these measures are often cumbersome and inconvenient for the owner to use regularly. Moreover, determined criminals can bypass these barriers with the right tools or simply tow the vehicle away.
- Standard Tracking Devices: GPS car tracking devices are popular for recovering stolen vehicles. These devices provide real-time location data, enabling the owner or law enforcement to track the car’s movements. However, tracking devices are reactive rather than preventative. They do not stop theft from occurring in the first place and can be rendered ineffective if the device is disabled or removed by the thief.
- Aftermarket Car Alarms: Unlike factory-fitted alarms, which are often standardized and included in most vehicles, aftermarket alarms offer customizable features tailored to the car owner’s specific needs. These systems often have advanced features unavailable in factory-installed models, such as shock sensors, remote start capabilities, and proximity alerts. However, despite their benefits, aftermarket car alarms also have limitations. Foremost, they are expensive. The price for such a system that requires professional installation can be £1000 or more. One of the concerns is the quality and reliability of the installation. If not installed correctly, these alarms can malfunction, leading to false alarms or, worse, failure to activate during a genuine theft attempt. Additionally, sophisticated thieves can sometimes bypass these alarms, especially if they know the specific model. Aftermarket car alarms also require regular maintenance, such as battery replacements and system checks, to ensure they function correctly, which comes on top of a hefty price tag for the alarm system and installation.
CarLock: Comprehensive and Affordable Car Security Solution
By combining real-time tracking and a comprehensive alert system that delivers security notifications straight to your smartphone for less than £35, CarLock could be the ideal car alarm system.
Whether detecting vibrations from a break-in attempt, alerting about vehicle movement if the car is being towed or driven out of a predetermined perimeter, engine started notification if the car is turned on, or even a device disconnection alert if the thieves find and remove the device, CarLock ensures you are informed what is going on 24/7 and can act immediately.
*Screenshot of CarLock notifications our customer shared in an Amazon review. See the success story here: https://www.carlock.co/blog/en/2022/11/17/the-police-officers-were-amazed-as-to-how-carlock-worked/
This proactive approach allows car owners to take swift action, potentially preventing the theft before it occurs. Let’s look at different scenarios:
- Is your car a target of a relay attack? A vibration detection alert will notify you in seconds that something suspicious is going on, especially with the new and improved CarLock Vibration Sensor add-on. If you can’t react fast enough to stop the theft, you can always track your vehicle with advanced GPS tracking.
- Thieves try to break in and jump-start the car? Again, vibration alert has you covered first, with an engine-started alert and 24/7 GPS tracking feature to further secure your car against theft.
- Thieves try to tow your car to an unknown location? Again, the thieves will most likely trigger a vibration alert, but even if they manage to be very soft, the vehicle moved alert will warn you something is happening. Again, you can also track your vehicle wherever it is with CarLock’s real-time tracking feature.
CarLock system can be set up quickly even without professional help, allowing car owners to secure their vehicles in minutes. You’re done by connecting the color-coded wires to the matching car battery terminals!
This combination of advanced anti-theft features, continuous monitoring, and ease of use makes CarLock an accessible solution for many users.
In an industry where high-tech security solutions often come with high price tags, CarLock offers a competitive price point that makes it accessible to a broader audience.
This affordability does not compromise the quality or effectiveness of the product; instead, it ensures that more people can protect their vehicles without significant financial strain.
CarLock’s blend of innovation and cost-effectiveness provides car owners with the peace of mind they need in today’s environment of rising car theft.
In a time when car theft is at a 15-year high, investing in a robust security solution like CarLock is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
Sources:
https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/britain-car-theft-keyless-driveway-areas-brands-warning