'CAR CANNIBALISM' SURGES AS PARTS THIEVES CASH IN

High cost of new parts and easy online resale fuel increase in crime

- JOHN EVANS

Thefts of car parking sensors have risen by 300% amid an increase in overall vehicle parts crime across the country, a leading insurer has reported.

Admiral Insurance says that last year it recorded 142 claims for stolen parking sensors, compared with 36 claims the previous year, with an additional 104 claims for stolen steering wheels and airbags.

“Parking sensors are easily accessible and have a high resale demand,” said Alex Wyard, director of technical underwriting at Allianz. “Criminals see parts theft as an easy way to make extra cash, and we have seen an increase in all types of theft relating to cars over the past year.