Stolen Car Recovery Rate Plummets from 70% to 25% Since the 1990s!

Recovery rates in London Vs Kent will surprise you

In the 1990s the recovery rate for stolen cars in London used to be 70%, now the average for the South East is down to just 25%! Car theft is costing insurance companies billions of pounds and is an increasing concern, it seems, for everyone except the police – this is despite the profusion of ANPR cameras now in London. With only 1 in 4 stolen cars found, we look at the latest reports on stolen cars. But there is some good news, recovery rates in London are much higher in London than in neighbouring Kent! Watch this video. And let us know in the comments of your experience with the police if your car was stolen. Did you get it back? How helpful were the police?

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Car thefts are a nightmare, especially in London and the Southeast of the UK. But what’s the likelihood of actually getting your car back? Surprisingly, if you live in Kent, it’s less than 1 in 20. And if you think it’s worse in London, think again. I’ll explain why shortly.

Shocking Decline in Recovery Rates

A recent report from Claims Management and Adjusting, based on a Freedom of Information request, reveals startling differences in stolen car recovery rates across the Southeast. On average, the recovery rate is just 25%. This is a stark contrast to the 1990s when the national average recovery rate was around 70%.

In London, the Metropolitan Police recovered over half of the stolen cars, achieving a 54.28% recovery rate. While this is good news for Londoners, it’s a different story for those in Kent, where the recovery rate plummets to a dismal 5.65%.

Detailed Breakdown by Region

Let’s look at some specifics:

• London (Metropolitan Police): Out of 33,864 cars stolen, 18,381 were recovered (54.28%).
• Essex: 5,489 cars stolen, 1,688 recovered (30.75%).
• Cambridgeshire: 1,518 cars stolen, 269 recovered (17.72%).
• Berkshire: 1,564 cars stolen, 131 recovered (8.38%).
• Kent: 2,429 cars stolen, 131 recovered (5.65%).

These numbers reveal a stark postcode lottery, with some areas faring much better than others.

Impact on Insurance Premiums

Philip Swift, a former detective now with Claims Management and Adjusting, highlights a significant concern: these low recovery rates contribute to soaring insurance premiums. In Kent, for example, 95% of stolen vehicles are never seen again. This not only represents a massive loss of assets but also drives up the cost of insurance.

The Cost of Stolen Vehicles

Consider this: 150 stolen Land Rover Evoques, worth about £40,000 each, total £6 million in lost assets. Even more common cars like the Ford Fiesta add up quickly – 200 stolen Fiestas at £15,000 each amounts to £3 million.

“Despite London’s 54% recovery rate, in Kent, 95% of stolen vehicles are never seen again, underscoring a shocking postcode lottery in car theft recovery.”

Why the Discrepancy?

Back in the 1990s, the national recovery rate was about 70%. So why has it dropped so dramatically? Swift points out that the Home Office Vehicle Theft Taskforce, established in 2019, only met once. This suggests a lack of priority given to tackling vehicle theft.

Tips to Protect Your Car

Despite the bleak statistics, there are steps you can take to protect your car:

• Use Signal-Blocking Pouches: Keep your keys in signal-blocking pouches to prevent relay attacks.
• Hide Your Keys: Don’t leave your keys near doors or windows. Keep them in a drawer or box.
• Install a Tracker: A GPS tracker can significantly increase the chances of recovering your stolen car.
• Use Physical Deterrents: Steering locks and other visible deterrents can discourage thieves.
• Park Safely: Always park in well-lit areas, preferably within view of security cameras.

Conclusion

The dramatic decline in car recovery rates from 70% in the 1990s to just 25% today is concerning. It’s clear that more needs to be done to address this issue, particularly by improving police response and recovery efforts. In the meantime, taking proactive steps to secure your vehicle can make a difference. Stay safe and let’s encourage our police forces to step up their efforts in tackling car theft.

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Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more updates on motoring issues!

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