A recent surge in car component theft has left insurers concerned. According to new data from Admiral Car Insurance, claims for stolen parking sensors have almost quadrupled, with a 294% increase from 2023 to 2024.
Why Are Parking Sensors So Valuable?
- Parking sensors are easily accessible and have a high resale demand.
- They can be sold on the black market to garages, online marketplaces, or individuals looking for cheaper replacements.
- A new parking sensor can cost between £100-£300, and even more for some high-end vehicles.
Impact on Car Manufacturers
The black market for stolen car parts is resulting in more cars being taken and stripped down. In the last year, police have uncovered 60 illegal ‘chop shops’ – locations where stolen vehicles have been dismantled and parts sold.
| Year | Number of Chop Shops |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2024 | 60 |
Expert Insights
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for TRACKER Network UK, a partner of Admiral Car Insurance, stated: “We’re seeing a steady increase in vehicle-related thefts for component parts – up 5% according to Admiral’s latest data (from 2023-2024) – and a lot of that can be attributed to a rise in chop shop activity.”
As major manufacturers face ongoing production delays and parts become harder to source, criminal networks are stepping in to meet demand – stealing vehicles to strip and resell various parts.
It’s a classic case of supply and demand. Parts are more valuable, harder to replace, and so criminals are responding with a high level of organisation – often selling stolen parts online and using this knowledge to target specific makes and models to meet demand.
Airbag Theft On The Rise
Steering wheels, and more precisely the airbags within them, have also become attractive to thieves. Adam Gavin, Motor Claims Director at Admiral, said: “We’ve seen an increase in all types of theft relating to cars over the last year, from parking sensors to whole vehicles which are then stripped for parts.”
One particularly concerning trend is airbag theft, with criminals targeting the steering wheel for what’s inside. Airbags can cost as much as £1,200 when purchased new, making them attractive to thieves who will then sell them on for a fraction of the price.
Some criminals also use stolen airbags in fraudulent insurance claims, replacing deployed airbags with stolen ones and charging customers or insurance companies for ‘new’ parts.
Protecting Your Car
Admiral has issued advice to help drivers protect their cars:
- Use a garage: Use your garage if you have one, and lock your vehicle in the garage, out of sight.