Car 'cannibalism' surges as parts thieves cash in

Thefts of car parking sensors have risen by 300% amid an increase in overall vehicle parts crime across the country, a leading insurer has reported.

Admiral Insurance says that last year it recorded 142 claims for stolen parking sensors, compared with 36 claims the previous year, with an additional 104 claims for stolen steering wheels and airbags.

“Parking sensors are easily accessible and have a high resale demand,” said Alex Wyard, director of technical underwriting at Allianz. “Criminals see parts theft as an easy way to make extra cash, and we have seen an increase in all types of theft relating to cars over the past year.

“New airbags can cost as much as £1200, but thieves sell stolen ones for a fraction of the price. Wing mirrors, catalytic converters, wheels and car emblems are also quick to sell on.”

Volkswagen Golf GTI owner Jeremy Merckel is among the latest victims of vehicle parts theft. One morning in March he was woken by a neighbour with the news that thieves had stolen the headlights, front bumper, grille and bonnet from his car.

“I was fuming,” says Merckel, who lives in Sutton Coldfield. “A neighbour’s doorbell camera showed one of the thieves casually walking away carrying the bumper above his head. I’ve been told the theft probably took no more than three minutes. It’s the second time my Golf has been targeted: two years ago, the car’s original front bumper was stolen. Surprisingly, the car hadn’t been broken into, and apart from missing much of its front end, there was no other damage.”

Merckel was warned by his insurer, Ageas UK, that his Golf, registered in 2019, might have to be written off. He says: “Their first reaction was: ‘Oh no, not another one!’ But in the end they agreed to pay for the repairs. Within two weeks it was back on the road with a new bumper, grille and lights, but because no new one could be found, a used bonnet. My insurance premium doubled last time, so I’m expecting a similar increase.”