FAQs

Vehicle theft remains a major issue across the UK, with tens of thousands of cars stolen every year — often directly from driveways. Understanding the scale of the problem highlights why physical security measures like driveway bollards are becoming essential.

Current UK Vehicle Theft Statistics –
🚗 Around 130,000 vehicles were stolen in 2023, according to DVLA and Home Office data
📈 That’s an 8–10% increase year-on-year, driven largely by keyless car theft methods
🕒 A vehicle is reported stolen roughly every 5 minutes across the UK

Most Targeted Vehicles –
🔑 High-end models with keyless entry systems (e.g. Range Rover, BMW, Audi, Ford)
🏠 Cars parked on driveways without visible physical security
💷 Vans and commercial vehicles containing tools or equipment

How to Prevent Vehicle Theft –
🔒 Install telescopic or removable bollards to physically block vehicle movement
📶 Keep key fobs in signal-blocking pouches or boxes
💡 Use CCTV, lighting, and wheel locks for layered protection

At Aremco Barriers, our UK-manufactured driveway bollards provide a strong physical deterrent against keyless and forced-entry theft. With car theft on the rise, installing a visible steel security post remains one of the most effective ways to protect your vehicle.

In the UK, keyless-entry cars and high-value models are the most frequently targeted by thieves. Criminals use electronic signal cloning or relay devices to unlock and start cars without needing the original key — making driveway security more important than ever.

Most Commonly Stolen Vehicle Types –
🚗 Luxury SUVs – Especially Range Rovers, Land Rovers, and BMW X models
🚘 Popular family cars – Such as Ford Fiesta, VW Golf, and Vauxhall Corsa
🚚 Vans and commercial vehicles – Often targeted for valuable tools and equipment

Why These Vehicles Are Targeted –
🔑 Keyless technology makes remote theft faster and quieter
💷 High resale value and demand for spare parts
🏠 Often parked on driveways with limited physical security

How to Protect Your Vehicle –
🔒 Install telescopic or removable bollards to block vehicle movement
📶 Store keys in signal-blocking pouches or boxes
💡 Use CCTV, alarms, and motion lights to deter thieves

Thieves use a few repeatable tactics — many exploit technology (keyless systems) or opportunity (unlocked cars, easy towing). Knowing the methods helps you choose the right physical and electronic protections.

Keyless Relay & Signal Cloning –
📶 Thieves use relay devices to capture and amplify the key fob signal or clone it, allowing them to unlock and start the car without the actual key.
🔒 Prevention: keep fobs in Faraday pouches/metal boxes and use bollards to stop the vehicle leaving the driveway.

Forced Entry / Hot-Wiring (older cars) –
🔧 Breaking a window or forcing a lock to gain access, then hot-wiring or bypassing ignition in older models.
🔐 Prevention: alarms, etched VINs, and physical barriers to prevent drive-off.

Tow-Away / Hook-Up Theft –
🚚 Thieves hitch or tow a vehicle from a driveway, especially at night or where there’s no visible deterrent.
🛑 Prevention: telescopic/removable bollards and ground anchors that prevent towing.

Opportunistic Theft (keys left in car / unlocked) –
🗝️ Cars left unlocked, keys visible, or engine running are an easy target.
💡 Prevention: always lock up, remove keys, and use visible security (bollards, cameras).

Theft for Parts / Stripping –
🧰 High-demand parts (catalytic converters, airbags, wheels) are stolen quickly from parked cars.
🔧 Prevention: CCTV, motion lighting, wheel locks, and secure parking positions.

Yes — driveway security posts and removable bollards are one of the most effective deterrents against vehicle theft in the UK. While alarms and trackers help recover a stolen car, a physical steel post stops the theft from happening in the first place.

Why Bollards Work –
🔒 They create a visible and physical barrier, blocking vehicles from being driven or towed away
🚫 Thieves target easier properties — most won’t risk tackling a locked bollard
💪 Made from galvanised and powder-coated steel for long-term strength and corrosion resistance

Best Types for Driveway Protection –
⚙️ Telescopic (Retractable) bollards – Lock in the upright position and lower into the ground when not needed
🧱 Removable bollards – Lift completely out for occasional access
🔩 Fold-down posts – Cost-effective for light-use residential driveways

Added Security Benefits –
📶 Stops both keyless relay theft and tow-away theft
💡 Works alongside CCTV, alarms, and lighting for layered security
🏡 Suitable for residential driveways, gated entrances, and private parking bays

Yes — the evidence shows these attacks are rising and becoming a major method in vehicle theft, especially for cars parked on driveways.

What the data says –
🔐 A recent article reported that between 60% and 70% of stolen cars in the UK were keyless models. Which?+2WeCovr+2
📈 One police force found keyless-vehicle thefts up 30%+ in a year in certain areas. herts.police.uk
🚗 A breakdown of how relay attacks work: thieves intercept the signal from your key fob and fool the car into thinking the key is close by — in some cases driving off in seconds. Tracker Team+1

Why it matters for driveways –
🏠 If you have a keyless car parked on your driveway, the risk is higher than for older keyed-entry vehicles.
🧱 Physical security (like bollards) becomes more important because the theft method doesn’t always leave obvious signs of forced entry.
📶 Signal-blocking and keeping the key fob well away from windows or doors go hand in hand with barriers for full protection.

Vehicle thefts happen in a mix of places, but recent UK data and industry analyses all point to semi-private locations around the home (driveways, communal car parks and carports) as the single biggest risk — followed by on-street parking and then garages. Exact percentages vary by source and year, but the pattern is consistent.

Semi-private / Driveways & Residential Car Parks –
🏠 Many reports put a large share (c. 35–43%) of thefts in semi-private locations such as driveways, apartment car parks and private communal parking. These are attractive targets because cars are often left unattended and thieves can operate with less chance of being disturbed. buckinghaminsurance.co.uk+1

On-street Parking –
🚗 Street parking accounts for a substantial proportion too — various analyses put this at roughly about a third to two-fifths of thefts in some datasets, especially in urban hotspots where opportunistic theft is higher. buckinghaminsurance.co.uk+1

Garages & Secure Parking –
🔐 Garages and secure underground car parks see fewer thefts proportionally, but thefts still occur there (including thefts of parts). Secure, locked garages reduce risk but aren’t infallible against organised or determined thieves. One Sure Insurance+1

Headline context (overall numbers & hotspots) –
📊 Total vehicle thefts remain high (hundreds of thousands in recent yearly datasets) and hotspots are concentrated in major urban areas (London, Birmingham, Manchester, etc.). Exact totals and local rates change year-to-year; consult ONS or local police for the latest figures. Office for National Statistics+1

Bottom line — what this means for homeowners
🧱 Driveway and communal-car-park thefts are common — physical measures (telescopic/removable bollards, anchors) plus key-fob protection (Faraday pouches), CCTV and lighting are the best combo to reduce your risk. At Aremco Barriers we build UK-made posts specifically to stop drive-off and tow-away thefts.

Data shows that certain regions of the UK have significantly higher vehicle theft rates — largely due to population density, high value vehicles, and organised crime.

Top-Risk Regions –
🌆 The Greater London area records the highest absolute number of vehicle thefts in England and Wales — for example, over 105,000 incidents in the year to September 2024. Zego+2RAC+2
🏙️ The West Midlands shows one of the highest theft-rates per 1,000 people — making it one of the most dangerous regions for vehicle theft in relative terms. Zego+1

Why These Areas Are Higher Risk –
🔑 Larger metropolitan areas have more high-value vehicles, denser residential parking (driveways, shared spaces) and more opportunity for theft.
🚗 Organised theft gangs operate more in/around big cities where export logistics, chop shops or dismantling operations have better access.
🏘️ High turnover neighbourhoods, multi-occupancy housing, and high foot traffic make surveillance and deterrence harder.

What It Means for You –
✅ If you’re in or near a high-risk region (London, West Midlands, major city outskirts) it’s especially important to have strong physical security (bollards, alarms, CCTV) and personal security habits.
💡 Even if you’re outside these areas, vehicle theft is still a serious risk — so don’t assume you’re safe just because you’re “rural”.

Yes — many UK insurance companies do recognise driveway security measures, such as telescopic or removable bollards, when assessing theft risk and setting premiums. While not every insurer applies a direct discount, visible physical deterrents can positively influence your risk profile and strengthen theft-related claims.

How Insurers View Bollards and Posts –
🔒 Considered a “physical barrier” that prevents vehicles from being driven or towed away
📋 Shows that the owner has taken reasonable security precautions
💷 Can reduce theft-risk ratings for high-value or frequently targeted vehicles

When It Can Affect Premiums –
✅ For keyless or luxury cars that attract higher theft risk
🏠 When combined with other measures (CCTV, alarms, trackers)
📞 Some insurers may request photos or proof of installation before applying a discount

Other Insurance Benefits –
🧾 Helps support a theft claim by proving adequate security was in place
⚙️ May reduce excess or improve eligibility for certain cover types
💡 Demonstrates proactive risk management for both residential and fleet policies

Every year, certain car models top the UK’s vehicle theft lists — usually high-value, keyless-entry cars and popular everyday models that are easy to resell or strip for parts. These vehicles are the most frequently targeted by organised gangs and opportunistic thieves alike.

Most Commonly Stolen Cars (Recent UK Data) –
🚙 Range Rover / Land Rover models – consistently the UK’s most stolen vehicles due to high resale and keyless vulnerabilities
🚗 Ford Fiesta – popular, easy to sell, and widely targeted for parts
🚘 BMWs and Audis – especially keyless 3 Series, X5, A3, and A4 models
🚙 Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Golf – targeted for their electronics and parts value
🚐 Ford Transit vans – often stolen for tools and equipment inside

Why These Cars Are Targeted –
🔑 Keyless systems are easier to exploit with relay or cloning devices
💷 High global demand for parts and exports
🏠 Many are parked on driveways overnight, giving thieves quick access

How to Protect Your Vehicle –
🔒 Fit telescopic or removable bollards to physically block exit
📶 Keep keys in signal-blocking pouches
💡 Use CCTV, lighting, and wheel locks for visible deterrence

Stealing an electric vehicle (EV) plus a charging unit is possible but not easy — it usually requires time, tools or a tow, and the right opportunity. Opportunistic thieves more commonly target portable charging cables, wallbox cables, or accessories rather than hauling away a whole car and a fixed charger. Still, with EVs increasingly common, it’s worth treating them like any high-value target and layering your security.

How thefts usually happen –
🔋 Cable theft / portable charger theft — thieves commonly steal untethered or portable charging cables left exposed.
🚚 Tow-away (hook-up) — a vehicle can be towed from a driveway if nothing physically blocks it.
📶 Keyless vulnerabilities — EVs with keyless entry are still vulnerable to relay/cloning attacks unless key controls are used.
🛠️ Wallbox removal — removing a permanently fixed wallbox is difficult and noisy, so it’s rare in residential settings without tools and time.

How easy — short answer –
⚠️ Not trivial: removing a fixed EV + hardwired charger is labour-intensive and conspicuous, so it’s much less common than stealing cables or towing an unlocked/unprotected vehicle.
🏠 Driveways, communal car parks and poorly lit areas remain the most at-risk locations.

Best ways to protect your EV and charger –
🔒 Physical barriers — telescopic or removable bollards stop drive-offs and tow-away attempts.
🔌 Secure the cable — use tethered chargers or remove portable cables after charging; use cable locks where practical.
📶 Protect your key fob — store in a Faraday pouch or metal box to block relay attacks.
📹 Visible CCTV & lighting — cameras and motion lights deter opportunists and help evidence claims.
🧰 Secure wallbox — fit tamper-resistant fixings, lockable covers or an alarmed enclosure for the charger.
📋 Layer security — combine bollards, cameras, key protection and tracking for the best result.

Not all bollards are built equally — some are meant to manage access, while others are engineered to physically stop vehicle theft. When choosing bollards for theft prevention, focus on strength, locking mechanism, and installation depth, not just appearance.

What to Look For in Theft-Prevention Bollards –
🔒 Lockable design – Choose telescopic or removable bollards that lock securely in place with integrated high-security locks, not padlocks.
💪 Heavy-duty steel construction – Look for galvanised steel (to BS EN ISO 1461) and powder-coated finishes (BS EN 13438) for corrosion resistance and long life.
🏗️ Deep or reinforced foundations – The post should be concreted in securely; shallow or surface-mount types are easier to remove.
⚙️ Anti-tamper features – Enclosed ground sleeves and protected lock housings prevent forced entry or drilling.

Other Key Considerations –
✅ Spacing – Position posts close enough to block vehicle movement but wide enough for pedestrians.
🚗 Placement – Install directly in front of the vehicle’s exit path or garage/driveway entrance.
🌧️ Maintenance – Regular cleaning and lubrication keep telescopic units smooth and reliable.

Best Types for Theft Prevention –
🔧 Telescopic (retractable) bollards – Strong, discreet, and lockable in both positions.
🧱 Removable bollards – Lift out for occasional access but secure tightly when locked in place.

Vehicle theft risks vary depending on where the vehicles are parked and how exposed the site is. Residential driveways tend to face opportunistic keyless or tow-away thefts, while commercial and industrial sites are often targeted for high-value vehicles, tools, or fleets.

Residential Driveways –
🏡 Typically targeted by keyless relay attacks or drive-off thefts
🚗 Thieves act quickly and quietly, often at night or early morning
🔑 Lack of physical barriers makes vehicles easy to move once unlocked
💡 Visible bollards and lighting deter opportunists instantly

Commercial & Industrial Premises –
🏭 Thieves may plan coordinated break-ins for vans, HGVs, or equipment
🔩 Security gates or perimeter fencing may still be breached by cutting or ramming
📦 High-value stock or fleet vehicles increase motivation and planning
📹 Multi-layered systems (bollards, barriers, CCTV, alarms) are essential

Key Differences –
📈 Residential thefts are usually fast and opportunistic
🧰 Commercial thefts are deliberate, organised, and may involve multiple vehicles
🔒 Both benefit from visible, physical deterrents that block vehicle movement

The true cost of vehicle theft goes far beyond replacing the car. Even if your insurer pays out, owners often face indirect costs, lost time, and long-term financial impact.

Direct Costs –
💷 Insurance excess – the amount you must pay before a claim is settled
📉 Depreciation gap – insurance may only pay the car’s market value, not its replacement cost
🚗 Temporary transport – hire cars, taxis, or public transport while waiting for settlement
🧾 Lost personal items – tools, electronics, or belongings inside the car are often not fully covered

Indirect Costs –
⏰ Time lost – dealing with police, insurers, paperwork, and replacing documents or keys
💡 Increased insurance premiums – theft claims raise future policy costs
📅 Delays – weeks or months before claim resolution or vehicle replacement
😔 Emotional stress and inconvenience – especially when theft happens from your home or driveway

Wider Impact –
🏠 Fleet operators or tradespeople can face lost work if vans or equipment are stolen
🔒 Businesses may suffer reputational damage or missed contracts
⚙️ Preventing theft is always cheaper than recovering from one

Changes in law enforcement priorities, sentencing, and policing resources can have a direct impact on UK vehicle theft rates. In recent years, lower detection rates and the rise of keyless technology have made car theft an easier, faster, and lower-risk crime for organised gangs.

Current Policing Trends –
🚓 Low conviction and recovery rates – fewer than 10% of vehicle thefts result in a charge or prosecution
📉 Limited police resources – forces focus on violent and high-priority crimes, leaving many car theft cases closed quickly
💻 Organised crime – technology-driven theft rings exploit gaps in enforcement and sell stolen cars or parts abroad

How Law Impacts Theft Levels –
⚖️ Light sentencing – vehicle theft often treated as property crime, with relatively short sentences or fines
🚗 Insufficient deterrent – low-risk, high-reward environment attracts repeat offenders
🌍 Cross-border crime – stolen vehicles are often exported rapidly before recovery is possible

Recent Positive Developments –
✅ Police task forces in London and the West Midlands have increased focus on keyless car theft prevention
🔍 Insurers and manufacturers are working together on data sharing and anti-theft technology
💡 Awareness campaigns encourage drivers to use physical security measures like bollards and Faraday pouches

Thieves often scout driveways or vehicles in advance of a theft — especially when planning keyless or tow-away attacks. Spotting the early warning signs can help you act fast and protect your car before anything happens.

Common Warning Signs –
👀 Unfamiliar people or vehicles repeatedly driving or walking past your home at odd times
📸 Suspicious behaviour, such as someone taking photos of your car, driveway, or CCTV cameras
🧲 Strange marks or symbols near your drive or property (sometimes used to tag “high-value” targets)
🔩 Tampered locks, wheel nuts, or fuel caps indicating attempted access
📶 Interference with key fobs or alarm systems — a possible sign of relay device testing nearby

Digital & Electronic Red Flags –
📡 Car unlocks or relocks unexpectedly
🔋 Battery drains faster than usual due to repeated signal attempts
💡 Alarms triggering for no clear reason, often at night

Preventive Steps if You Notice Suspicious Activity –
🔒 Use telescopic or removable bollards to block the car from being driven away
📦 Store keys in Faraday pouches or metal boxes
📹 Review CCTV footage and adjust camera angles for full driveway coverage
📞 Report persistent suspicious activity to local police or neighbourhood watch