Scotland sees a drop in car thefts as traditional security measures gain popularity
Police Scotland reports a significant drop in car thefts, with nearly 1,200 fewer incidents compared to before the pandemic. That’s a 17.9% decrease!
Between April and September, the number of stolen vehicles fell by 539, which is about 8.7%. Interestingly, the only crime that saw a slight uptick was attempted thefts, which rose by 24.7%.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs noted that people are becoming more aware of how to deter thieves. They’re using faraday bags and surveillance systems like ring cameras to keep their cars safe.
Mairs also mentioned that proactive policing and community efforts have played a big role in reducing car thefts. A national overview of vehicle crime showed a 4.9% decrease, thanks to these strategies.
However, there’s still a concern about organized criminals using keyless theft methods. These thieves exploit technology to steal high-value cars right from driveways.
Research shows that many car owners are worried about theft, leading them to use security measures that were popular back in the 80s and 90s.
Motoring organizations say that these old-school products are making a comeback due to fears of keyless vehicle thefts. With many luxury cars featuring keyless entry, it’s no wonder people are looking for extra protection.
The RAC suggests that adding a visual deterrent can often be enough to make a thief think twice. They recommend using sturdy locks and etching your car’s registration number onto the windows.
These classic deterrents are proving effective even in today’s digital age. Many thieves are opportunistic and will avoid cars that seem too much trouble to steal.
Wheel locks, for instance, add an extra layer of difficulty for potential thieves. They require special tools to remove, making it riskier for them.
Steering locks send a clear message that the car is protected, making it harder for thieves to drive away quickly. Faraday bags also help by shielding keyless fobs from outside signals, preventing tampering.
