Over 100,000 vehicles were stolen in the UK last year, including an astonishing array of unusual targets highlighting the need to add further protective measures to models.
The data released by the DVLA paints a picture of thieves willing to pilfer almost any type of vehicle which can be either broken down for parts or sold whole.
From bin lorries to ambulances, and even a hearse, the list of stolen vehicles defies expectations. The RAC Foundation, a motoring research charity, highlighted the diverse nature of these thefts.
Among the more peculiar items taken were a concrete mixer, a sewage tank emptier, a fire engine, tar sprayers, road sweepers and ride-on lawnmowers.
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106,524 vehicles were stolen last year
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The most frequently stolen vehicle type was the five-door hatchback car, with 24,518 thefts recorded, according to a Freedom of Information request. Estate cars followed closely behind with 20,685 thefts.
Motorbikes were also a popular target, with 18,673 stolen while small vans rounded out the top four, with 11,172 thefts.
The total number of vehicles recorded as stolen in 2023 reached a staggering 106,524, affecting a broad range of vehicle types and owners.
RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “This data shows that from a tractor to a tipper to a tar sprayer, there is literally no type of vehicle that someone won’t steal.”
He explained that stolen vehicles face various fates, from resale to being broken down for parts or shipped abroad.
Gooding noted how surprising it was to see commercial vehicles being taken, suggesting their value or components might be driving factors.
He added: “The data is a warning to us all that we need to think about how we can make the thieves’ task more difficult, however large or small the vehicle, and no matter whether it is kept on the road, in a shed or a locked garage.”
The diverse range of stolen vehicles highlights the need for comprehensive security measures across all vehicle types. From commercial vehicles to personal transport, no category appears immune to theft.
Owners of both common and unusual vehicles are urged to reassess their security practices. This may include using steering wheel locks, immobilisers, or GPS tracking devices.
For businesses with specialised vehicles like bin lorries or ambulances, enhanced security protocols may be necessary. This could involve secure parking areas and improved key management systems.
The data serves as a wake-up call for vehicle manufacturers as well. There may be a need for more advanced anti-theft technologies to be integrated into a wider range of vehicle types.
As Gooding pointed out, the financial impact of these thefts extends beyond the immediate victims, potentially affecting insurance premiums for all drivers.
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Gooding added: “Some will be taken for resale, some for a joyride, but many will be broken up for parts or shipped abroad out of the way of prying eyes.
“Commercial vehicles seem surprisingly vulnerable possibly because of their inherent value or maybe for components.”
