A new study by AX Track in the UK has found that vehicle thefts are up by 30% on 2020 figures and in many cases are significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. It appears that part of the increase can be attributed the rising cost and availability of replacement car parts.   

Using Freedom of Information request data from 40 UK Police forces, the figures show that in some regions thefts have increased by 50% between 2020 and 2022. Compared to 2019 data, before the pandemic, in 20 out of 27 police force areas, where the data was comparable, thefts in 2022 surpassed levels seen in 2019. 

AX Track said rising values of used cars and vehicle components were likely driving increased crime. They also point to the easy availability of electronics equipment that thieves can use to open a car as a key factor.