Big rise in vehicle thefts in West Yorkshire

There's been a dramatic rise in the number of vehicles being stolen across West Yorkshire.

Figures reveal 5,597 thefts were reported to West Yorkshire Police last year – a rise of 57% compared to 2013.

It makes our region the third worst for vehicle theft in the UK, after London and the West Midlands.

Nationally, the RAC says the crime has increased by almost a third – as the organisation warns thieves are bypassing modern vehicle security systems

• “We fear thieves are now becoming more and more well equipped with technology capable of defeating car manufacturers' anti-theft systems,” *says RAC insurance director Mark Godfrey.

“This is bad news for motorists as it has the effect of causing insurance premiums to rise at a time when they are already being pushed up by a variety of factors, not least the recent change to the discount rate for life-changing personal injury compensation claims and the rises in insurance premium tax.''

The RAC says things like steering wheel locks - which were popular in the 1980s and early 1990s – are making a comeback as drivers try to protect themselves.

“They are still a very effective visible deterrent,'' he added.

Assistant West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson said: “As the figures show, there has been an increase in the number of thefts of vehicles in West Yorkshire. However as the fourth biggest police force in England and Wales, the number of offences we have recorded are comparable to other large urban areas.

• “We understand having a vehicle stolen can have a significant impact on people’s lives; impacting a person’s ability to work and their day-to-day business, as well as causing a significant financial loss. The police and the public need to work together to help prevent these kind of offences occurring in our communities.*

“We would urge the public, even when using a key fob, to check their door handle when leaving their vehicle to ensure it is locked and to make sure they don’t leave anything of value on show inside.

“When at home, if you have gates on your property, make sure they are closed while your car is parked on the driveway and use a garage if you have one. Also, take care not to leave the keys for your vehicle on the side in the kitchen, in view of a window or by an unlocked front door."