Car Insurance
Keys the new target for car thieves
Thu, 22 Jun 2006
The theft of three cars from the London home of Tory MP Edward Garnier has highlighted the new methods that criminals are using to get at the latest car models, causing concern to many car insurance providers.
Last week, the MP's house was burgled, with the thieves stealing nothing but the keys to the three expensive cars parked outside.
They then simply drove their new acquisitions away having unlocked them, with alarms, immobilisers and other high-tech anti-theft devices left redundant.
The problem, car industry experts argue, is that as manufacturers design cars that are more and more difficult to steal, it’s the car keys that are becoming a more attractive to criminals.
"Vehicle crime has moved on and stealing keys – sometimes using violence – is increasingly the method of choice for car thieves," commented Wendy Rowe, a vehicle security specialist.
"What’s needed is a strong theft deterrent, as alarms and immobilisers are no barrier when you have the keys. Sadly, Mr Garnier’s experience is all too common."
This growing trend means that even with the latest in anti-theft devices, the need for comprehensive car insurance cover against theft is as important as it has ever been.
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