Vehicle thefts are surging in parts of the UK, with incidents in Wales climbing last year. A new study shows that all four Welsh police forces ranked among the top 10 for the largest year-on-year increase in stolen vehicles.[1] The Dyfed-Powys area saw the highest rise nationwide, with thefts jumping by 52% from 2023 to 2024. Gwent followed in second with a 20% increase.
The statistics form part of a wider problem in these areas over the last five years, as both of these forces also recorded some of the biggest increases in vehicle theft since 2019. Gwent has seen a 37% increase in this crime over the past five years, while the Dyfed-Powys area has experienced an astronomical 428% rise – the biggest in the UK.
The analysis comes from Go.Compare car insurance, which used official Home Office data and a freedom of information request to the UK’s police forces. It compared annual figures from the past five years to calculate the areas with the biggest increases in car thefts, and found that Welsh areas consistently saw some of the largest rises.
North Wales and South Wales also reported significant rises last year, up 14% and 9% from 2023. Despite the stark increases though, North Wales and Dyfed-Powys still rank among the lowest ratios in the UK for car thefts. There was one theft for every 1,666 vehicles in the Dyfed-Powys area, the second lowest ratio in the UK, and one for every 1,094 vehicles in North Wales, the UK’s fourth-lowest ratio
South Wales and Gwent both placed in the bottom half of the UK for the ratio of car thefts, too. There was one theft for every 370 vehicles in South Wales, placing it 27th out of the UK’s 45 forces, while Gwent saw one theft for every 326 vehicles, placing it 31st.
Other areas that experienced notable year-on-year increases in vehicle thefts include Scotland (14%), Wiltshire (12%), Bedfordshire (11%) and Sussex (10%). The insurance comparison site suggests that drivers in these areas consider improving their cars’ security in case they are targeted by thieves.
Biggest problem increases in vehicle thefts from 2023 to 2024 by police force area
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Dyfed-Powys – 52%
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Gwent – 20%
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Police Scotland – 14%
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North Wales – 14%
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Wiltshire – 12%
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Bedfordshire – 11%
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Sussex – 10%
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South Wales – 9%
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Northamptonshire – 9%
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West Mercia – 8%
During the same period, many areas of the UK saw a decline in vehicle thefts. The City of London recorded the largest drop, a 39% reduction from 2023 to 2024. Despite theft numbers improving here, it was still the second biggest hotspot in the UK, with one theft for every 91 vehicles, behind only Greater London.
Thefts also fell in several Northern regions last year. In the North East, Cleveland and Northumbria constabularies reported drops of 25% and 18%, respectively, from 2023.[1] Multiple police forces in the North West also recorded fewer thefts, with Greater Manchester (19%), Merseyside (18%) and Cheshire (9%) all seeing a decline.
Biggest decreases in vehicles thefts from 2023 to 2024 by police force area
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City of London – 39%
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Cleveland – 25%
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Greater Manchester – 19%
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Northumbria – 18%
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Merseyside – 18%
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Cambridgeshire – 15%
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Surrey – 13%
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight – 11%
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West Yorkshire – 11%
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Cheshire – 9%
Nationally, vehicle thefts fell by around 3% last year compared to 2023, although this figure is still 8% higher than in 2019.
Steve Ramsey, managing editor for motoring at Go.Compare, said: “While vehicle thefts in the UK fell last year, there were still more incidents than five years ago, and certain areas continue to experience worrying increases. It’s clear that more needs to be done to improve security. If you live in an area where thefts are rising, consider taking some extra steps to protect your car.
“Investing in anti-theft measures like a Thatcham-approved alarm, steering lock, or other gadgets can help keep it secure. Always park in well-lit, CCTV-monitored areas or in a garage if you can. Plus, keep your keys away from the front door and out of sight to avoid attracting thieves’ attention. It’s also important that you get the right level of protection for your car, as third-party only policies don’t offer cover for theft.
“Unfortunately, crime rates do impact insurance prices, so you might pay a higher premium if you live in an area where thefts are more common. Claiming for a theft could result in increased costs, too, but comparing policies makes sure that the impact on your wallet is kept to a minimum.”
