One stolen every four minutes - inside the police battle against vehicle thieves
Vehicle theft in the UK has risen significantly over the last decade, with organized crime groups using sophisticated technology to steal cars to order. Police report being overstretched and under-resourced, leading to low recovery rates and a thriving black market for stolen parts.
Why it matters
The rise in organized vehicle crime impacts insurance costs and public safety, highlighting a gap between criminal innovation and law enforcement capabilities.
Figure caption, Watch: BBC joins police on front line against car theft
It is 01:00 on a Thursday and we are in the back of an unmarked police car on the hunt for vehicle thieves in east London.
A call comes in over the radio about a stolen Ford Transit van. Within 25 minutes officers have found it, chased it down and arrested a suspect.
Officers tell us the night has been successful, with further arrests made, yet across the UK a car is stolen every four minutes.
Despite a recent drop, vehicle thefts are up almost 50% in England and Wales compared with a decade ago, according to Home Office data. Last year, just 3% of vehicle theft offences resulted in a charge or summons.
As well as spending time on the front line in London and Sussex, we have privately spoken to 20 police officers from six forces.
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