How common is car theft in London?

In London (Greater London), vehicle crime is investigated by Metropolitan Police. Typical risk for the area is classified as Severe. Search your exact postcode above to view street-level incidents recorded in the past month within 1 mile.

Which police force covers vehicle crime in London?

London is policed by Metropolitan Police. You can report non-emergency vehicle theft or suspicious activity online or by dialling 101.

What are the most common car theft hotspots in London?

Vehicle crime in London typically concentrates around public car parks, railway commuter parking, retail parks, and poorly lit residential avenues where keyless relay attacks can take place.

Metropolitan Police · Greater London

Car Theft in London: Rates, Statistics & Hotspots

Greater London accounts for over 30% of all stolen vehicles in the UK. Keyless relay attacks and high-value SUV targeting are heavily concentrated in outer and inner London boroughs.

Popular locations:

London (Greater London)

Live Radar

Showing recorded incidents within a 1-mile radius (~3.14 sq miles) of SW1A1AA (Westminster)

Metropolitan Police

Data: July 2026

Vehicle Crime RiskSEVERE

87incidents / month

Low (0-3)Moderate (4-12)High (13-28)Severe (29+)

988% higher than UK urban average (1-mile radius)

Month-on-Month TrendRising

+17(+24.3%) vs June 2026

3-Month Incidents Timeline

May

June

July

Direct monthly street comparison verified with official Police UK records.

Unsolved RateInvestigation Status

72.4%closed without suspect

Under investigation23 (26.4%)

Investigation complete; no suspect identified63 (72.4%)

Awaiting court outcome1 (1.1%)

National UK average: ~74% of vehicle crimes are closed with no suspect identified.

Top Street Hotspots

Highest concentration of vehicle interference & theft

8 locations

1On or near Parking Area

9 incidents10.3% of total

2On or near Nightclub

3 incidents3.4% of total

3On or near Trevor Square

3 incidents3.4% of total

4On or near Beauchamp Place

2 incidents2.3% of total

5On or near Shopping Area

2 incidents2.3% of total

6On or near Bridge Street

2 incidents2.3% of total

7On or near Embankment Place

2 incidents2.3% of total

8On or near Mount Street Mews

2 incidents2.3% of total

UK Parking & Security Checklist

Recommended countermeasures for this risk zone

Use a Faraday pouch or box for keyless car fobs to block relay signal amplifiers.

Fit a Sold Secure / Thatcham-approved steering wheel lock as a highly visible mechanical deterrent.

Consider fitting a Ghost immobiliser or Thatcham Cat S5 tracker with remote kill switch.

Park under street lighting or in view of domestic CCTV/video doorbells where possible.

Lock OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) ports or fit an OBD port blocker to prevent key cloning.

View UK-Wide Theft League Table Check Car MOT History

Check Vehicle Crime in Other UK Cities

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