The exact areas and times your car is most at risk from thieves this Christmas – and the valuables they’re nicking most

RESEARCH has revealed the exact areas and times your car is most at risk from thieves this Christmas.

Car experts at the International Drivers Association have been able to map the UK’s vehicle crime hotspots, including the most common items stolen.

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They made freedom of information requests and used government data to carry out the research.

The conclusion is that the favourite items for thieves to steal are jewellery, handbags and briefcases.

But also shopping bags, wallets, cash and credit cards.

The report also revealed the top 10 areas in the UK with rife vehicle crime.

The most dangerous place to park your car is London, followed by West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

In the fourth position is Thames Valley, followed by Essex.

The rest are made up of South Yorkshire, Hampshire, Avon, Kent and Hertfordshire.

The research found thefts in the morning and afternoon increased by 113% in the 10 years to March 2020.

Thefts at night or in the evening, however, decreased by 21% during the same timeframe.

In a similar trend, vehicle thefts taking place during the week became more common.

Weekday vehicle theft increased by more than 35% in the 10 years to March 2020.

However, weekend thefts decreased by 44%.

Motoring Expert at IDA, Duane Cuaresma, said: “Drivers can never guarantee their vehicle will be safe, but there are precautions they can take to deter thieves this winter.

“Never leave your engine running while you’re not around, such as when defrosting a vehicle in winter or taking shopping into your house.”