Why Vehicle Theft Increases During Winter Months

Many people assume vehicle theft is random, but statistics and police reports often show a clear seasonal pattern. Car security company Tracker has previously reported that vehicle theft can rise by up to 25% during the winter months.

Darker evenings, poor weather conditions, and the busy period leading up to Christmas create ideal opportunities for opportunistic thieves.

In this article, we explain why winter presents higher risks for vehicle owners and outline practical steps you can take to reduce the chances of your car becoming a target.

Longer nights and reduced visibility

Early darkness provides more cover for criminals, who can wait near a property or vehicle with far less chance of being noticed.

Poorly lit driveways and residential streets make it harder for neighbours or passers-by to spot suspicious behaviour, which is why driveways and on-street parking outside homes can become common targets during winter.

A vehicle left in darkness for long periods is simply less visible, and therefore more vulnerable.

Frost-Jacking

On cold winter mornings, it can be tempting to start your car and leave it running to warm up and defrost the windscreen. This practice can lead to frost-jacking, making a vehicle incredibly easy to steal.

Frost-jacking occurs when the car is unlocked, the key is in the ignition, and the engine is running. It might seem like a good idea to defrost your windscreen without having to wait in the cold, but in many cases, a thief can simply get in and drive away in seconds.

It is also important to be aware that many insurance policies include a ‘keys in car’ or ‘unattended vehicle’ clause. If your vehicle is stolen in this way, your insurer may refuse to pay out, leaving you without both your car and your cover.

Cars left unattended for longer periods

During winter, vehicles are often left unused for longer stretches of time. Over the Christmas period, many families travel to visit relatives or go away, leaving cars on driveways or residential streets for several days.

Thieves often look for patterns and will quickly identify vehicles that are not being moved. A car that remains in the same position on a driveway for an extended period can signal that the property may be empty.

If you are away from home for any length of time, it is worth thinking carefully about where your vehicle is left and how visible and accessible it is from the road.

Keyless car theft becomes easier in winter

Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is now one of the most common methods used to steal modern vehicles. This method relies on capturing and amplifying the signal from a key fob inside the home.

During winter months, people are more likely to leave keys in coat pockets, on hallway tables, or near doors for convenience. This can make it easier for thieves standing outside the property to intercept the signal required to unlock and start the vehicle.

This type of theft often happens at night, and with longer nights in winter, criminals have a larger window of opportunity to operate unnoticed. In some cases, the entire process can take less than 30 seconds.

Increased financial pressure and opportunistic crime

The winter period, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, can see a rise in opportunistic crime. While not every incident is linked to financial pressures, high-value vehicles parked outside homes can become attractive targets during a time when expensive items are in greater demand.

Vehicles that are easy to access and remove present a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for criminals.

How to protect your vehicle during winter

If you are concerned about the safety of your vehicle, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce the risk. Some makes and models are more desirable than others, and tools such as Confused.com’s car theft calculator can help you understand how at risk your particular vehicle may be.

Improving driveway lighting can make a significant difference, as well-lit areas are far less appealing to criminals. CCTV systems and video doorbells can also act as both a deterrent and a way to capture evidence if suspicious activity occurs.

Using a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking box for your keys helps prevent relay theft by stopping the signal from being intercepted. Additional visible deterrents such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, or tracking devices can further discourage thieves.

Even simple considerations such as parking close to the house, turning your wheels towards the kerb, or parking another vehicle in front can make removal more difficult.

Why physical barriers are one of the most effective deterrents

While electronic security measures are important, they can sometimes be bypassed. A physical barrier, however, cannot be ignored or worked around in the same way.

Driveway bollards are one of the most effective ways to prevent a vehicle from being removed from a property, even if thieves manage to unlock or start it. These barriers act as a strong visual deterrent and provide real, physical protection against modern theft methods such as keyless entry attacks. 

Telescopic bollards are particularly well suited to residential driveways. They rise vertically from the ground and can be locked securely in place in seconds using a high-security key mechanism. When not in use, the post retracts neatly back into the ground and is covered by a flush-fitting lid, keeping the driveway looking tidy and unobtrusive.

Some models also include assisted lift features, significantly reducing the effort required to raise and lower the bollard. This can reduce the operating weight by up to 60 to 70 percent, making them easy to use on a daily basis.

Professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure that the bollard performs as intended. Correct positioning, avoiding underground utilities, and securing the unit properly into the ground all contribute to the overall effectiveness and longevity of the barrier.

Layered security is key

The best protection comes from combining multiple measures rather than relying on just one. Lighting, CCTV, key protection, and a physical bollard working together provide a far stronger defence than any single solution on its own.

Winter presents higher risks for vehicle theft, but simple, preventative steps can make a significant difference.

If you are looking to add an extra layer of protection to your driveway this winter, Rhino Security offers a range of high-quality driveway bollards designed to keep your vehicle safe at home. Get in touch with our team on 01603 484999 or visit our website for advice on choosing the right bollard for your property.