Greater London is the car theft capital of the UK by a mile, according to an extensive study by a leading motor insurer.
Co-op Insurance found that the top 10 areas with highest rates of car crime in the UK are all found in London.
Based on the frequency of car theft claims as a percentage of policies in specific areas between 2017 and 2021, the London borough of Islington has the most car theft crimes, while the district of Torridge in Devon has the lowest.
Top 20 UK vehicle theft hotspots (by frequency of claims)
When it comes to which makes and models of cars are most likely to be targeted, the study reveals that it is smaller, lower-priced vehicles that are favoured by thieves.
The three cars stolen most frequently, by volume of total claims over the four years, are the Ford Fiesta, the Honda Jazz and the Ford Focus.
Top 20 postcodes outside London most likely to have a theft (by frequency of claims)
"We want to do all we can to help car owners keep their vehicles safe - they can do this by researching car crime levels in their own area and by following some simple steps that will deter a thief," said Paul Evans, Head of Motor Insurance at Co-op Insurance.
Top tips to beat the car thieves