Car Theft Around Here Is Mental - Here Are the Numbers

Reality Check: 130,000+ cars nicked in the UK last year. Merseyside is in the top 10 worst areas. Less than half ever get found. That's the honest truth.
The Numbers Don't Lie (Unfortunately)
Look, I wish I had better news, but car theft around Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area is proper bad right now. The thieves are getting better at it, and some of the stats are honestly shocking. Here's what's really going on:
National Statistics (2024-2025)
- Total vehicles stolen:130,000+
- Recovery rate:46%
- Average theft time:Under 60 seconds
- Most common time:11pm - 6am
Where It's Happening Around Here
Been doing this job for over a decade and honestly, it's gotten worse. Merseyside Police are logging thefts every single day. The hot spots?
- Anfield area - Range Rovers mainly
- Bootle residential streets - anything with keyless entry
- St Helens car parks at night
- Southport seafront when it's quiet
- Crosby and Waterloo drives - especially detached houses
I've fitted bollards on three streets in Crosby alone this month. All because someone on that road got their motor nicked. That's how most people find us - after it's already happened to a neighbour.
Most Stolen Cars in the UK (2025)
Based on police data and insurance claims, these are the most frequently stolen vehicles:
1. Range Rover Sport
High-value target, often stolen to order
2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Popular model, vulnerable to keyless theft
3. BMW 3 Series
Frequently targeted across the UK
4. Ford Fiesta
Most common car, high theft numbers
5. Volkswagen Golf
Popular with thieves for parts
Common Car Theft Methods in 2025
1. Keyless Entry Relay Attacks
Thieves use signal amplifiers to relay your key fob signal from inside your home to the car on your driveway. This allows them to unlock and start the car in seconds.
2. Key Theft (Burglary)
Criminals break into homes specifically to steal car keys. This is increasingly common in Merseyside, with thieves targeting homes with high-value vehicles on the drive.
3. OBD Port Hacking
Thieves connect devices to your car's OBD port to program a new key or bypass security systems. Takes under 60 seconds.
Proven Prevention Methods
Physical Security Measures
- Security Bollards: The most effective driveway protection - physically blocks vehicle removal
- Steering Wheel Locks: Visible deterrent that adds time to theft
- Wheel Clamps: Makes vehicle immobile even if started
- Driveway Gates: Combined with bollards for maximum security
Electronic Security
- Faraday Pouches: Block key fob signals when not in use
- GPS Trackers: Aids recovery if vehicle is stolen
- Dash Cameras: Records attempted thefts and provides evidence
- OBD Port Locks: Prevents access to vehicle's computer
Why Bollards Are the Best Solution
Unlike alarms and trackers that only alert you after a theft attempt, security bollards physically prevent your car from being driven away. Even if thieves bypass all electronic security, they can't remove a vehicle blocked by a bollard.
For Merseyside homeowners, telescopic or fixed bollards offer:
- 24/7 protection without monthly monitoring fees
- Visible deterrent - thieves move to easier targets
- Protection from "drive away" thefts during keyless attacks
- Also prevents parking disputes and unauthorized use of your drive
- Insurance benefits - many insurers offer discounts
Data Sources & References:
- • Merseyside Police - Crime Statistics 2024
- • UK Home Office - Vehicle Theft Data 2023-2024
- • Office for National Statistics (ONS) - Crime Survey for England & Wales
- • Association of British Insurers - Motor Theft Report 2024
- • Tracker Network UK - Vehicle Recovery Statistics
- • Based on actual theft reports from Merseyside customers (2013-2024)
Protect Your Vehicle from Theft
Don't become a statistic. Our security bollards provide proven protection for vehicles across Liverpool, Southport, and all of Merseyside. Get a free quote today!