Keyless theft has hit a new all-time high record, according to latest data from Tracker. 

94% of all vehicles recovered by Tracker in 2021 were stolen without the thief having possession of the keys

With manufacturers increasingly favouring keyless car entry systems, 94% of all vehicles recovered by Tracker in 2021 were stolen without the thief having possession of the keys.  

Its analysis also shows that while January and February 2021 proved quieter months for criminals stealing cars due to the lockdown, there was a significant rise in cars being stolen as the year went on.  

Clive Wain, head of police liaison for Tracker, commented: “This was made worse by the shortage in car spare parts worldwide, as criminals quickly recognised how lucrative it was to steal cars specifically for their parts. As a result, there was an increase in ‘chop shops’ being set up across the UK. These buildings are equipped to strip down stolen vehicles for their expensive parts which are then sold on very lucratively.” 

Tracker’s 2021 data also shows London once again claimed the top spot where cars were most frequently stolen and recovered. The West Midlands, Manchester, Essex and Kent also held their places, completing the top five regions for vehicle theft and recovery.  

Wain explained: “The five regions topping our most stolen and recovered league table are the largest populated counties in the country, which accounts for their high level of theft activity. In addition, London provides some great corridor routes through Kent and Essex to key shipping ports where criminals load desirable cars into containers to be shipped to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.” 

Northern territories like South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Merseyside also proved popular regions for criminals wanting to steal cars. However, the home county of Surrey, with a close proximity to London, also appeared in the top 10 for 2021.   

Wain added that the threat of criminals stealing cars in 2022 is just as prevalent.  

“We urge drivers to combine traditional visual deterrents such as crook locks and wheel clamps to frighten off criminals, with more modern solutions such as CCTV and immobilisers to protect their car,” he continued. “However, in the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly close the net on thieves and return the vehicle to its rightful owner. Last year alone, we helped recover over £9m worth of stolen vehicles.”