Watch out for the Grinch - Don’t let Car thieves steal your cheer!
As we enter the festive season, it’s not just the twinkling lights and jolly tunes that bring a touch of magic – it’s also the sneaky, Grinch-like characters lurking in the shadows, ready to ruin your Christmas cheer. This year, the Grinch isn’t just swiping Christmas presents from under the tree, he’s eyeing up your car too! In fact, a vehicle is stolen every five minutes on average across England and Wales. Between January and September 2024, a staggering 72,888 vehicles were reported stolen - leaving many holidaymakers dreaming of Christmas joy but waking up to an empty driveway… if only they’d been covered by MotorEasy!
According to recent figures, London is the Grinch’s favourite stomping ground, with over 20,000 vehicles swiped this year alone. Croydon, in particular, has felt the Grinch’s pinch. Meanwhile, the West Midlands isn’t far behind, with Wolverhampton taking the crown for the region’s most stolen vehicles. Up north, Doncaster in Yorkshire and the Humber is leading the pack in vehicle crime. And don’t think Wales is safe! Cities like Cardiff and Swansea have seen over 2,500stolen cars. It’s clear, the Grinch’s reach is far and wide, and no one is safe from his thieving ways.
Much like the Grinch’s heart, which grew three sizes in the end, the financial burden of vehicle theft is growing at an alarming rate. Claims for stolen vehicles have reached a jaw-dropping £45,000, with the average claim tipping over £7,000. That’s a lot of cash to part with, especially if you don’t have the right coverage. The Grinch may not steal Christmas in the end, but he’s certainly eyeing up your holiday budget! But fear not – we’ve got your back! Did you know MotorEasy GAP Insurance can shield you from financial loss if your car is declared a write-off by your insurer due to theft, accidents, or damage from events like floods, fires? That means we’ll pay the gap between your insurance payout and the vehicles purchase price or any outstanding finance. So, while you may not be able to stop the Grinch from striking, you can at least protect yourself if you’re next on his list.
As the dark winter nights draw in, it’s even more important to stay vigilant. Whether you’re heading out to Christmas parties, loading up your car with gifts, or just enjoying a drive to see the festive lights, your car is a prime target for criminals looking to make off with more than just a stolen roast beast.
Here’s a few Grinch-proof tips we’ve heard that might just foil the bad guys:
- Park in well-lit secure areas
- Install security features
- keep valuables hidden
- Store your keys safely
- Get covered with MotorEasy GAP Insurance
Don’t let the Grinch sneak off with your holiday cheer! With a little extra care, you can ensure that your car stays safely under wraps, and your holiday season remains merry and bright.
So, as you trim the tree and hang the stockings with care, don’t forget to secure your vehicle. After all, the Grinch may not be able to steal your Christmas, but he’s certainly hoping to make off with your car—unless, of course, you outsmart him with some a few security measures and extra cover. In that case, I think you’ve just outwitted the Grinch!
