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My name is Rhys, a first time dad blogging about my adventures and experiences of being a parent. [email protected]

Car theft slows in Wales

Vehicle theft throughout Wales remains among the lowest in the country, according to new analysis by Quotezone.co.uk using the latest data gathered by the Economic Policy Centre.

Dyfed-Powys Police recorded the 3rd lowest crime rate of 43 forces nationwide, with 1.43 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2020.

This was followed by North Wales in 5th place (1.86 / 1,000), Gwent in 13th position (3.72 / 1,000) and South Wales in 28th spot (5.68 / 1,000). All four forces recorded a yearly fall in reported thefts, with South Wales registering the smallest drop – 17% – and North Wales the highest – 34%.

Nationally London’s Metropolitan Police Service topped the table for vehicle crime with 15.1 reported thefts per 1,000 residents.

The analysis is based on figures compiled by UK CrimeStats, a leading crime data research and analysis platform that covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and gathers data based on reported crimes from 43 police forces. Vehicle theft refers to taking items from a vehicle or stealing the vehicle.

Responding to the new data, Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “It’s perhaps not surprising that the rate of vehicle crime in Wales has fallen so much given lockdown measures and the reduced number of cars parked on the road. However, the scale of the fall is dramatic and a welcome development.

“There will be many areas that remain crime hotspots, particularly in urban areas so it’s worth taking extra precautions, such as keeping cars in locked garages overnight or parked on driveways, to reduce risk and possibly lower insurance premiums.

“For those people who still find themselves victims of car crime, it is important to know what to do when you arrive at the scene. Make sure to call the police and your insurers as quickly as possible, don’t touch anything at the scene and take photos if you can – many households now have CCTV which can be incredibly useful if your car is stolen from home.”

Vehicles crimes recorded by Welsh police forces allowing for a comparison to show the effect of the first lockdown in spring 2020.

Dyfed-Powys North Wales Gwent South Wales
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
March 74 75 136 151 242 335 136 151
April 40 75 85 209 242 268 85 209
May 62 86 83 190 172 241 83 190
Dyfed-Powys North Wales Gwent South Wales
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
Lowest crime rate per 1,000 residents 1.43 1.96 1.86 2.84 3.72 4.94 5.68 6.85
Place for lowest crime rate out of 43 forces 3rd 3rd 5th 8th 13th 15th 28th 27th