Vehicle Theft Numbers at a Record High: Why You Need Driveway Security Bollards
Unfortunately, this year marks another record high for car thefts here in the UK. Although the number of car thefts has dropped, with March 2022 to March 2023 showing 130,119 thefts and March 2023 to March 2024 showing 129,159 thefts, the number is still not insignificant. These statistics keep the UK’s vehicle thefts at a 15-year high, which is a huge cause for concern.
The positive news is there are solutions to deter and prevent your car from being stolen from your driveway, which we at Rhino Security are here to help with. By having security bollards installed on your driveway, you’re showing thieves that you are serious about protecting your property.
Why is car theft on the rise in the UK?
There are two main reasons why car theft statistics are increasing and staying at an all-time high: the cost-of-living crisis and vehicle parts demand. Some are turning to theft due to the lucrative resale value of some cars and parts, including the black market sales of some car models to countries with economic sanctions in place.
There is no good excuse to steal someone’s property, no matter the reason. Fortunately, there are solutions that car owners can take to prevent becoming victims of theft.
What brand of car is stolen the most in the UK?
A study by CMA (Claims Management and Adjustment Ltd) shows that currently, the most stolen and recovered cars are as follows:
- Range Rover Sport
- Lexus RF450h
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Range Rover Vogue
- BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Evoque
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Range Rover Autobiography
As you can see from this list, Range Rovers are incredibly popular among thieves, followed by other premium models with high resale values. These cars are very lucrative to thieves and targeted specifically, with the problem reaching heights that drivers are now warned against buying these high-risk vehicles.
With the growing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles, fueled by environmental regulations like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, it’s predicted that these will soon become more of a target for criminals. Already the Lexus RF450 sits in spot number 2, a popular hybrid car.
Are keyless cars easier to steal?
Yes, keyless entry and keyless start cars are often easier to steal, depending on the model. Thieves are adapting to more modern vehicles, using technology to gain access to the cars and drive them away.
They do this by capturing the signal from your car key onto a transmitter that they can then use to open and operate your vehicle. This technology can capture the key’s signal even if the key is with you inside your home. You can purchase signal-blocking pouches or boxes to keep your keys in, but these work best in combination with other security solutions. Without something stopping the car from leaving your driveway, thieves can drive your vehicle away.
So, what can be done to prevent thieves from even attempting to steal your car from your property? The most certain answer lies with us and driveway security posts.
Do driveway security posts work?
We can safely assure you that yes, residential driveway bollards work in preventing car theft. With solid posts standing sentinel at the bottom of your driveway, no thief will be able to drive away with your car, as they would be forced to go through or over the bollards. As seen in this CCTV footage from a car dealership client of ours, thieves attempting to drive through bollards won’t get far.
Due to the damage that high-quality bollards would cause a vehicle, thieves typically don’t attempt the theft, as the resale value will be greatly reduced. Some people, as evidenced by the CCTV footage, will try anyway, but this is less likely to happen on a residential street due to the noise it would create and the immediate response that would bring about.
It is essential that the security posts you choose are from a trusted, reputable company such as Rhino Security, as some weak knockoffs on the market may not deter thieves. By purchasing your bollards from us, you can also take advantage of our expert installation and maintenance services. This ensures your parking bollard installation will be secure and your bollards will be taken care of year after year for optimum driveway security.
Do driveway bollards need planning permission?
If the bollards are on your property, within the property line, then you don’t need planning permission. This means you cannot have security bollards installed on the pathway in front of your driveway, but rather on the driveway itself.
Most customers opt for their posts to sit at the end of the driveway, but others have started requesting their bollards stand by the car doors, stopping anyone from entering the car in the first place.
Protect your property with driveway bollards
Our parking bollards are the best for stopping thieves before they even attempt to steal your car. With the professional installation of our insurance-approved telescopic bollards, your vehicle isn’t going anywhere without your permission.
Contact us today by sending an email to sales@rhinosecurity.co.uk or using our simple live chat feature which will connect you to a real member of our team here at Rhino Security HQ. Our aim is to secure your property and help you sleep better knowing your care is safe, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you’re interested in seeing how we have helped a homeowner rest easy after we installed bollards on his property after his car was sadly stolen, read our driveway bollard case study.