**Dyfed-Powys Emerges as UK’s Leading Area for Surge in Vehicle Thefts, New Data Reveals**
Fresh figures have highlighted a striking rise in vehicle theft across Wales, with the Dyfed-Powys region recording the most significant year-on-year increase in car crime throughout the United Kingdom. According to a detailed analysis, car thefts in the Dyfed-Powys police force area soared by 52% between 2023 and 2024, positioning the county at the very top for the sharpest escalation in stolen vehicles nationwide.
The findings were compiled by GoCompare car insurance, tapping into official statistics from the Home Office, along with Freedom of Information requests directed at UK police forces. This comprehensive study compared five years’ worth of annual data, shining a spotlight not only on annual fluctuations but also longer-term patterns across the country.
Notably, the steep spike in Dyfed-Powys stands out amongst a cluster of Welsh police areas that all placed within the top ten for increases in vehicle theft over the last year. Gwent, another force covering parts of southern Wales, followed with a substantial 20% rise from 2023 to 2024. North Wales and South Wales police areas were also among those with pronounced jumps in crime rates, highlighting a concerning trend across the region.
The statistics examine not only short-term changes but also broader shifts since 2019, with Dyfed-Powys bearing witness to a staggering 428% rise in vehicle theft during the last five years. Gwent has also reported a notable 37% increase over the same period. Such numbers underscore the scale of the challenge facing Welsh police and communities alike.
While Wales recorded some of the largest upswings, the picture across the UK was mixed. Even as Dyfed-Powys and Gwent saw record surges, other parts of the country reported marked decreases. The City of London, for example, saw car theft drop by 39% in the past year, making it the most improved area in terms of vehicle crime reduction. However, Greater London as a whole retains the unwanted distinction of being the UK’s vehicle theft hotspot, registering one stolen car for every 91 vehicles.
Several northern English police forces also recorded progress. Cleveland experienced a 25% fall in vehicle theft, Northumbria a reduction by 18%, and other major conurbations such as Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire all reported fewer cars stolen in the past year.
National trends show an overall modest decline in vehicle thefts—dropping by about 3% from the previous year. However, experts warn this still leaves the total number of offences some 8% higher than figures seen in 2019, suggesting a broader issue that has yet to be fully addressed.
Steve Ramsey, managing editor for motoring at GoCompare, commented on the findings, saying there remains “worrying increases” in certain areas despite national improvements. “It is clear that more needs to be done to improve security. If you live in an area where thefts are rising, consider taking some extra steps to protect your car,” Ramsey advised.
He suggested car owners could reduce their risk by installing Thatcham-approved alarms or visible steering locks, parking in well-lit or CCTV-monitored spaces, and storing keys out of sight at home to deter opportunists. Ramsey also reminded motorists to review their insurance cover, warning that, “Third-party only policies don’t offer cover for theft.” He noted that crime statistics can directly influence insurance premiums, with those in higher-risk areas expected to face increased costs.
As Welsh police forces contend with a swelling tide of vehicle crime, particularly in Dyfed-Powys, residents are being urged to stay alert and take proactive steps to safeguard their property. Authorities and insurers alike are now examining how best to stem this unwelcome trend and restore confidence for motorists across the region.