Keyless car theft at all time high

More than 9 in 10 cars recovered by stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, were taken without using keys – new research reveals. This is an increase from 2018’s figure, which stood at 88%, and a worrying increase of 26% compared to four years ago. The figure in 2016 stood at 66%. This means car thieves are increasingly exploiting keyless technology by using more sophisticated methods and equipment.

Further analysis of the data reveals that the Ranger Rover Sport was the number one choice for thieves in 2019, jumping from 8th place in the Tracker Most Stolen and Recovered League Table in 2018. It replaces the BMW X5 which topped the chart in 2018 and now sits at number two. This in turn, has pushed the 2018 number two, the Mercedes-Benz C Class, to third place in 2019.  Range Rover, BMW and Mercedes-Benz dominate the Tracker league table in 2019.

Aston spoke to Clive Wain, former detective chief superintendent, current Head of Police Liaison at Tracker to discuss the research in further detail and also give us tips on how to stay vigilant.