Warning issued to drivers as 'car cannibalism' cases surge in UK

British motorists have been issued a warning following a rise in so-called ‘car cannibalism’.

Parkedcars have been targeted for parts amid an increase in illegal 'chop shops', where stolen vehicle components are sold on the black market. The theft of parking sensors quadrupled from 2023 to 2024, according to claims data from Admiral Insurance, and parts like steering wheels also became a target for thieves.

Motorists can protect their vehicles by keeping it out of sight in a garage. For long stays, private car parks and garages are the safest as they are usually locked and have CCTV or other security measures in place. It comes after mindless yobs damage 41 cars in vandalism rampage through sleepy market town.

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There are other ways a person can protect their vehicle if they don’t have access to a garage. A well-lit area that has a significant footfall could deter thieves and people should always park their car in a safe area, even when parking for short durations.

Motorists could also park their vehicles facing a wall, since many of the parts being stolen are from the front of the vehicle. Drivers should ensure that their vehicle is locked and take their keys with them. This is both safer and important because car insurance premiums won’t pay out if a car was not properly secured before it was stolen.

People are unlikely to ever recover their car parts if they are stolen but marking them can make it easier for the police to identify, so some could get their stolen parts back. In some cases, marked parts can be a deterrent if the thief notices the marking, as they’ll be more reluctant to steal a part that can be traced. People buying the parts may also realise they have been stolen if they’re marked, and if so, they may be more likely to contact the police, Birmingham Live reported.

Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World, comments: “Like grand theft auto, car cannibalism is another big worry for car owners. Because the parts that are stolen are so hard to retrieve and are of comparatively little value, it’s very unlikely you’ll get them back.

"Taking precautions against theft and ensuring you have insurance are the best ways to protect your car from cannibalism.

“You may find it useful to keep a supply of spares in your home or a secure garage, particularly for parts like lights. If your vehicle is cannibalised, you can then quickly install a new part and be back on the road in no time.”