Industry News from Yes Insurance

Londoners who own a BMW 3-Series are the most likely to have their car stolen.

Figures from the Metropolitan Police show that in the past year, 218 of the £45,000 cars have been stolen by thieves who break into the owner's house and steal the keys.

This is leading to many claims on both car insurance and home insurance policies and leaving car owners distressed.

Other vehicles which feature on the car thieves' 'hit list' are the Volkswagen Golf and the Mercedes sports model and C-Class.

People that live in certain parts of London are more likely to have their car stolen after their house is broken into.

Residents of Barnet are targeted the most, with Bromley, Redbridge and Enfield also scoring badly.

The Metropolitan Police say thieves are becoming more sophisticated in their approach to car crime, as they have to become increasingly professional in order to beat more complex security systems.

"We're a victim of our own success. Without a key you're not going to steal a car, unless you're an expert thief," Detective Constable Ian Elliott told the Evening Standard.

Both BMWs and Mercedes are popular among thieves as they can be stripped for easy-to-sell parts and there is a thriving black market for them.

© Adfero Ltd