London Capital of Car Crimes, Research Finds

The car crime capitals of the UK have been revealed by a new study.

Car insurance provider swiftcover.com has released the research, after running analysis of its claims database from April 2007-April 2008. It found that London, the Midlands and the North West are the three most common places in which a car is stolen.

The car insurance firm also discovered that the three most popular models which were taken over the period were the Ford Fiesta, the Volkswagen Golf and the Vauxhall Astra.

Types of thefts were also analysed by swiftcover.com: it was found that almost half (48 per cent) of total claims made over the period happened after a vehicle was stolen and had not been recovered. Elsewhere, 24 per cent occurred when the car was successfully taken and then was recovered damaged, and 12 per cent of claims were for attempted, but unsuccessful, thefts.

Robin Reames, claims director of swiftcover.com, commented: "Whether you live in a busy town, leafy suburbs or sleepy village, always keep your car secure even for just a few minutes. It's amazing how many people leave their keys in the ignition whilst de-frosting the car, or pop into the post office leaving their car windows open. It's just an open invitation to opportunistic thieves."