Car thieves are targeting more top-of-the-market vehicles, according to figures today.
The average value of a motor theft claim rose 38% in the first five months of this year compared with the same period in 2008, according to a study of statistics by a car insurance company.
The study also revealed the average age of a stolen vehicle has fallen from 10 years to eight years in the last five years, however, the number of cars being stolen dropped by 11% between 2007 and 2008.
London is the likeliest area for car theft, followed by Manchester, Cardiff, Leeds and Birmingham.
A spokesperson said: “Over the last few years there had been a significant decline in the numbers of cars being stolen but a sharp increase in the value of cars being targeted by thieves.
“Cars have better security measures on them than ever before so many opportunist thieves simply don’t bother anymore. It would appear that the cars that are being stolen are specifically targeted by thieves who will often break into the owner’s property to steal the keys.
“Many of these cars are then exported to be sold overseas. Owners of top-end vehicles, like Porsches, BMWs and Jaguars need to be even more vigilant to keep their cars safe.”
