Doncaster in the UK's top ten for car thefts

A total of 61,743 vehicles were stolen, but theft rates dropped by nearly 15 per cent in 2020 (28,454) with most people at home and able to watch over their cars due to the pandemic, compared to 2019 (33,289).

Based on responses from 26 police forces, Doncaster was fifth in the top ten hotspots with 739 thefts in 2019 and 796 in 2020, totalling 1,535.

But Doncaster wasn’t the only place in South Yorkshire to feature as Sheffield came in at number three and Rotherham at number eight.

Overall, the West Midlands fell victim to the most crimes (11,506) over the last two years. However, it’s Birmingham West that ranks top for the total number of offences, despite thefts in 2020 decreasing by nearly 21 per cent compared to 2019.

While theft rates in Liverpool, Sheffield, and Birmingham East also decreased last year, Doncaster saw thefts increase by eight per cent.

Looking more closely at vehicle theft across the UK, further analysis shows an annual increase in keyless car theft, accounting for 93 per cent of all recorded thefts last year. The most stolen vehicles include the Range Rover and Land Rover, especially the Range Rover Sport, and Autobiography. The Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Evoque follow. In fact, in 2020 comparethemarket.com saw an increase in enquiries for the Range Rover Evoque by 11 per cent compared to 2019, whilst the Range Rover Sport saw an increase of nine per cent, and the Land Rover Discovery at seven per cent.

Vehicle theft may have decreased last year, but it’s still important to make sure you’re financially protected, as Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance at comparethemarket.com, explains: “There are measures you can put in place to help reduce the chance of your car being stolen, but nothing can keep your vehicle 100 per cent secure. So you need to make sure you have an insurance policy that covers theft so you don’t end up out of pocket if a criminal strikes.”

For a full breakdown of the top 20 theft hotspots or more tips on keeping your vehicle safe visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/car-theft-hotspots/

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.