Paul Huntley, Head of Private Clients at PIB Insurance Brokers, explores what is causing the problem and advise for your customers to help prevent vehicle theft.

It has been widely reported that there has been a sharp increase in thefts of Land Rovers but the rises are across all types of vehicles. Out of the 31,017 car thefts that took place in the capital last year, 87.2% were unsolved by the Metropolitan Police. Just 1.6% led to a charge. The most commonly stolen car brands in the UK include Ford, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes Benz1.

According to car finance company, carmoola2, many are sold for profit or stripped for parts. Some are sold overseas, where they can command a higher price than in the UK. Parts can be sold individually, and are often more profitable than selling the car as a whole. Stolen cars may be used as getaway vehicles after criminals have committed other crimes, such as robbery or to transport drugs.