Vehicle crime in West Mids one of the highest in the UK

WEST Midlands Police dealt with the second highest number of vehicle crimes in the UK in 2016.

Thieves targeted cars, vans, lorries and other vehicles a total of 29,106 times last year, according to incidents reported to the region’s police force, which is the third largest in England by the number of officers.

This was the second highest number in the UK, behind only the Metropolitan Police in London with 89,900 incidents.

Vehicle crime per the police is classified as “theft from or of a vehicle or interference with a vehicle”.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) also show that 71 per cent of all vehicle theft occurs during the week, while nearly half (43 per cent) occur at nighttime.

The ONS figures also revealed that 43 per cent of all vehiclerelated theft occurs because drivers do not lock their doors properly.

Ben Leonard, managing director of Click4Reg.co.uk, who carried out the research, said: “The figures are certainly fascinating. Vehicle crime is certainly more prevalent than anyone would expect.

“While unfortunate, there are various effective actions that drivers can take to safeguard their vehicle from any potential crime.

“All drivers should aim to make simple steps such as locking doors and removing all valuable possessions when not in their vehicle a habit.

“Making such behaviours a daily routine will go a long way in protecting driver’s vehicles from opportunist criminals and thieves.”

West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.