Motor insurance quote news
20/06/2008

Car keys targeted by thieves, warns insurance company

A car insurance company has revealed thieves are stealing car keys from homes and gyms in a bid to beat alarm and security systems and take vehicles.

While there have been improvements to car security in response to motor insurance recommendations over the years and technological developments, many car criminals are now trying to swipe ignition keys rather than break into vehicles.

Car cover experts are warning drivers to ensure that they keep car keys out of sight and out of reach of criminals.

Thieves are tending to steal more expensive makes and models - worth more than £10,000 - by this method. Then, after being stolen, 93 per cent disappear for good or are discovered burnt out.

The survey by online car insurance company, esure, found that 72 per cent of these stolen cars were taken after keys were taken during house burglaries.

The cost of motor theft can cause insurance quotes to be higher. Esure warned motorists to be aware of devious thieves who have successfully driven off with cars in situations including:

• Keys having been stolen from gym lockers - sports centre lockers can be prised open after drivers are followed to the gym
• Car-jacking - cars stop for, say, traffic lights and owners are viciously forced out of their vehicles at knife or gun point
• 'Boot'-type thefts - cars have been driven off while owners open boots with keys in the ignition

Esure claims chief Gordon Hannah said: "It is a concern that improvements in car security are now driving hardened criminals towards much more serious crimes in order to steal cars."

The car insurance company expert warned this type of theft puts car owners and their homes at risk.

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