Sales data analysis for theft prevention products bought on eBay has uncovered what drivers are buying and their location.

eBay car security index reveals drivers are becoming more security conscious

eBay analysed the key security items purchased, including steering wheel locks and car immobilisers, between May 2022 to May 2023. This was then compared to population size, with Romford in East London coming out on top of any location in the UK, followed by Motherwell in North Lanarkshire and Redhill, Surrey.

Drivers being more security conscious comes at a time when car thefts are on the rise in some areas. In the same period, the Metropolitan Police Service recorded a 12% increase in car theft, with a total of 35,765 offences, the equivalent of four per 1,000 people across all London boroughs.

Llandudno in North Wales placed fourth on the list and Southall in West London rounds out the top five, followed by Crewe, Dartford, Chelmsford, Truro and Doncaster.

As well as items sold, eBay Parts and Accessories also looked at the wider product search, revealing a 136% increase in searches for the phrase ‘car security system’ from May 2022 to May 2023, a 125% increase for the phrase ‘Faraday box’, and a 76% increase for the phrase “Faraday pouch” – an items which blocks the signal between the car key and vehicle to reduce the risk of the car being stolen remotely.

Laura Richards, eBay category lead for Parts and Accessories, said: “By studying purchases made on eBay and looking at just how many searches are made every day, it’s clear to see people want to do everything they can to protect their vehicle. Having a car stolen can cause huge stress, but there are a huge range of items which can help prevent this, whether that’s to protect a cherished classic or a more modern model.

“At a time when we see more reports of vehicles being stolen and more sophisticated methods, owners are looking at all the different accessories that can help protect their vehicle when it’s parked at their home.”