The research from Direct Line Motor Insurance, obtained from local police forces across the country, found an estimated 474,600 parts were stolen from vehicles in 2021 and over the past three years the total value of stolen cars and parts reached £744 million, the equivalent of nearly £680,000 stolen every day.

An estimated 474,600 parts were stolen from vehicles in 2021

Direct Line has partnered with the University of Huddersfield on a new ‘Truth about Car Theft’ campaign, which includes detailed academic research amongst prolific car thieves to understand the motive, means and opportunities for vehicle crime, to help motorists reduce the risk of falling victim to these criminals. The academic research found that vehicle parts were key targets for car thieves, considered by some to be more profitable method than selling a car on, without the effort of concealing the vehicle’s identity.

Further findings include:

• Number plates are the most common parts stolen, with a huge 53,400 stolen from vehicles last year

• Catalytic converters were found to be the most expensive part stolen, with the total value of items taken since 2019 costing over £16 million

• The Metropolitan Police Service received the greatest number of reports of stolen vehicles in 2021, with almost 31,000 cars stolen across the capital.