Drivers have been warned of a surge in car thefts across the UK, with new data revealing that a car has been stolen every 8.5 minutes.

The alarming report also found that criminals have been specifically targeting certain car parts with parking sensor thefts quadrupling from 2023 to 2024, rising by a staggering 294 per cent.

Thieves have also been stealing surprising items such as airbags and steering wheels, which can be easily removed and sold on the black market.

With over 10,000 car theft claims recorded last year, car insurer Admiral has warned motorists to remain vigilant and take extra precautions to protect their vehicles.

Admiral recorded more than 10,000 car theft claims last year

Parking sensors have become a prime target for thieves due to their accessibility and high resale value on the black market.

These components can fetch between £100 and £300 when purchased new, with prices even higher for luxury vehicles.

Criminals sell the stolen sensors to garages, online marketplaces, or individuals seeking cheaper replacements. The ease of removal, combined with strong demand, makes parking sensors particularly attractive to thieves.

This black-market trade has contributed to a wider problem of vehicle crime across the UK, with parts being stripped from both parked cars and stolen vehicles.

Steering wheels have also become a prime target, with criminals specifically after the valuable airbags contained within them.

Adam Gavin, Motor Claims Director at Admiral, said: "We've seen an increase in all types of theft relating to cars over the last year, from parking sensors to whole vehicles which are then stripped for parts."

He noted that airbags can cost as much as £1,200 when purchased new, making them highly attractive to thieves. These stolen airbags are then sold at a fraction of the retail price.

But more shockingly, some criminals have been using stolen airbags in fraudulent insurance claims, replacing deployed airbags with stolen ones and charging for supposedly new parts.

Gavin warned that cheap deals can be tempting but highlighted the importance of using authorised, reputable repairers.

The black market for stolen car parts has fuelled the rise of illegal 'chop shops' across the UK, with police uncovering roughly 60 locations in the last year where stolen vehicles are dismantled and parts sold.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for Tracker Network UK, explained: "We're seeing a steady increase in vehicle-related thefts for component parts - up five per cent according to Admiral's latest data (from 2023-2024) - and a lot of that can be attributed to a rise in chop shop activity.

"As major manufacturers face ongoing production delays and parts become harder to source, criminal networks are stepping in to meet demand."

Parking sensors have become a prime target for thieves

The problem has worsened since 2020, with criminals becoming increasingly organised. Thieves have now been targeting specific makes and models to meet market demand.

To protect vehicles from theft, Admiral has issued several key recommendations for motorists, including using a garage whenever possible and keeping vehicles locked and out of sight.

For those parking on the streets, choosing well-lit, safe areas is recommended, as well as investing in a steering wheel lock, which can effectively protect both the steering wheel and valuable airbags inside. Motorists should also double-check that their vehicles are properly locked by trying the handle after locking.