Drivers warned against 'car cannibalism' which could see valuable parts stolen
As thieves continue to target vehicles for parts, a motoring organisation has given drivers tips to keep their cars safe.
The online parts retailer My Motor World has revealed ways to stop the car cannibals from stealing parts from your vehicle.
Car cannibalism has been on the rise for several years, and the demand for a variety of parts means almost all vehicles on the road could be effected by it.
Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World explained why car cannibalism is on the rise.
He said: "Like grand theft auto, car cannibalism is another big worry for car owners. Because the parts that are stolen are so hard to retrieve and are of comparatively little value, it's very unlikely you'll get them back.
"Taking precautions against theft and ensuring you have insurance are the best ways to protect your car from cannibalism."
My Motor World advised motorists to always park their car in a safe area, even for short periods of time.
The best places to leave a car unattended are garages and car parks that are locked, have CCTV or other security measures fitted.
However, if neither is available, the company said to try to park in an area that is well-lit with plenty of footfall, making it harder for thieves to remove parts without being noticed.
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Another good idea, My Motor World claim, is to mark the parts that may be stolen with the vehicle's registration plate.
Whilst it is unlikely that stolen parts will be recovered, if a thief notices any markings, it may make them less likely to steal or sell on these components.
Finally, another good deterrent is to fit the vehicle with a dashcam, or install a security camera where you typically park, which would start recording if it senses movement nearby.
Car cannibals remove parts from parked cars in order to sell them for profit in garages, sometimes referred to as 'chop shops'.
According to My Motor World, stolen parts are often ones that typically get damaged in a crash, such as bumpers, front wings and headlamps.
However, some thieves have targeted more expensive parts that are more profitable, including catalytic converters and airbags, that may be costly to replace or render the vehicle unsuitable to drive.