Drivers urge to hide item more commonly stolen than a smartphone

The vehicle cover provider One Sure Insurance has warned drivers to always hide one item before leaving their car unattended, stating it is more likely to tempt criminals than a smartphone.

According to a study conducted by the company, using data sourced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), sunglasses are one of the most commonly stolen items from vehicles, being responsible for eight percent of all car thefts during 2023.

A spokesperson for One Sure Insurance highlighted the importance of leaving small items like sunglasses on display to prevent thieves from being tempted.

They advised: “Eyewear is a personal item which drivers are more likely to leave in their car when running errands or nipping out.

“Our research shows the importance of not leaving sunglasses or glasses inside vehicles since it not only puts your belongings at risk but also compromises the safety of the car itself.”

According to One Sure Insurance, valuables were the most commonly stolen items from vehicles in 2023, accounting for 35 percent of cases.

However, a very considerable 21 percent of car crime involved thieves taking pieces of exterior trim, such as alloy wheels that are not fitted with specialist nuts and can easily be sold from backstreet garages.

Number plates are also commonly targeted by criminals, since they can easily be removed and fitted to conceal the identity of stolen vehicles or avoid being charged for motoring offenses.

One Sure Insurance also recommended that drivers avoid leaving any electrical equipment on show when they leave their vehicle, stating that it accounted for nine percent of all vehicle thefts in 2023.

While only two percent of car break-ins saw a mobile phone stolen, larger or more expensive items such as laptops and tablets can easily become a target for thieves.

As a result, it is important for drivers to place any expensive electronics in a storage compartment, such as the glovebox or boot.