Vehicle theft numbers in Hampshire double as finger is pointed at organised crime

Figures released by PA Radar showed that Hampshire Constabulary dealt with 1,504 stolen vehicle reports in 2018-19 – 112 per cent more than the 711 cases seen in ​2014-15.

Across the UK, around 152,500 vehicles were stolen in 2018-19 across Great Britain, a rise of 56 per cent from four years ago.

RAC Insurance, which compiled the data, has urged drivers to do more to make their cars a harder target.

Company spokesman Simon Williams said: ‘These figures paint a rather disturbing picture.

‘While vehicle crime is at far lower levels today than it was in the early 1990s thanks to improvements in vehicle security, and the number of vehicles licensed to be driven on the UK’s roads is higher than at any point in the past, it’s still concerning that so many more vehicles are being stolen than just a few years ago.’

According to Mr Williams, vehicles such as mopeds and motorbikes are easier targets since many don't have an immobiliser.

Government data shows that thieves use a key in nearly half of incidents, indicating that many drivers can do more to protect their vehicles.

Mr Williams added: ‘While organised criminal gangs are responsible for a large proportion of crime, thieves will also be opportunistic in nature so the more a driver can do to make their car a less likely target the better.’

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