Sensing trouble: insurer warns of rising thefts involving surprising car parts

• Admiral Car Insurance’s data shows that in 2024, thefts of parking sensors quadrupled from 2023, amid car theft rise across UK
• Criminals are also stealing steering wheels for the valuable airbags they contain
• Stolen car parts can be sold to some unscrupulous mechanics or repair shops, resulting in unsafe repairs like defective airbags, Admiral warns
• Admiral explains why car parts are being targeted by criminals, and shares how best to protect yourself against theft

With a car stolen every 8.5 minutes, vehicle crime remains a major concern across the UK. New data from Admiral Car Insurance reveals the theft of car parts is also on the rise, with some surprising components targeted by criminals. 

According to Admiral, claims for stolen parking sensors have almost quadrupled, rising by 294% from 2023 to 2024. Parking sensors are easily accessible and have a high resale demand, with thieves selling them on the black market to garages, online marketplaces, or individuals looking for cheaper replacements - particularly as a new parking sensor can cost between £100-£300, and even more for some high-end vehicles.

The black market for stolen car parts is also resulting in more cars being taken and stripped down. In the last year, police have uncovered 60 illegal ‘chop shops’ - locations where stolen vehicles have been dismantled and parts sold. In 2024, Admiral saw over 10,000 car theft claims, with 80% of thefts being keyless.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for TRACKER Network UK, which is a longstanding partner of Admiral Car Insurance, explains: "We’re seeing a steady increase in vehicle-related thefts for component parts - up 5% according to Admiral’s latest data (from 2023-2024) - and a lot of that can be attributed to a rise in chop shop activity. As major manufacturers face ongoing production delays and parts become harder to source, criminal networks are stepping in to meet demand - stealing vehicles to strip and resell various parts. It's a classic case of supply and demand.

"The number of these illegal chop shops has been on the rise since 2020, fuelled by a perfect storm of economic pressure, international supply chain disruption, and lenient sentencing for car-related theft. Parts are more valuable, harder to replace, and so criminals are responding with a high level of organisation - often selling stolen parts online and using this knowledge to target specific makes and models to meet demand. The rise in thefts of parts likely reflects current market demand, offering a quick, profitable return for criminals."

As car thefts become more common, steering wheels, and more precisely the airbags within them, have also become attractive to thieves. Adam Gavin, Motor Claims Director at Admiral, explains why airbag thefts are increasing, and warns how safety can be compromised:

“We’ve seen an increase in all types of theft relating to cars over the last year, from parking sensors to whole vehicles which are then stripped for parts. One particularly concerning trend is airbag theft, with criminals targeting the steering wheel for what’s inside. 

“Airbags can cost as much as £1,200 when purchased new, making them attractive to thieves who will then sell them on for a fraction of the price. Some criminals also use stolen airbags in fraudulent insurance claims, replacing deployed airbags with stolen ones and charging customers or insurance companies for ‘new’ parts.

“Unfortunately, customers can be lured in by cheap prices. Illegal chop shops can sell stolen, faulty airbags to unsuspecting customers for a lot less than authorised or reputable repairers, and still make a profit. Cheap deals can be tempting, but if you’re having repair work done on your car that requires a replacement airbag, you should always have it done by authorised, reputable repairers, who only ever use approved parts sourced from specialist suppliers.”

To support drivers in avoiding the risks associated with vehicle crime and unsafe repairs, Admiral has also issued advice to help Brits protect their cars:

• Use a garage: Use your garage if you have one, and lock your vehicle in the garage, out of sight. If parking on the street, try to park in a safe, well-lit area.
• Use a wheel lock: Invest in a steering wheel lock to protect your steering wheel & airbag.
• Double-check that your vehicle is locked: Lock your car every time you leave it, and double check that it’s locked by trying the handle.
• CCTV: If you have CCTV or a video doorbell, try to position it to cover your driveway or car on the street.
• Call the police: If you see anyone acting suspiciously near a vehicle, don’t hesitate to call the police
• Update your security: Ensure you get the latest security updates for your vehicle whenever they are rolled out by the manufacturer.