Car cannibalism is on the rise, and the motoring experts from My Motor World are issuing a warning to drivers about the risks to their vehicles. Claims data from Admiral Insurance has shown that thefts of parking sensors quadrupled from 2023 to 2024, with steering wheels also being a target for thieves.
The trend of stripping a car for parts is fuelling an increase in illegal “chop shops” where vehicle components are sold on the black market.
What Is Car Cannibalism?
Car cannibalism refers to the crime of stripping a car for its parts without stealing the whole vehicle (though it may also be stolen in some cases). Often, the parts stolen are those most commonly needed to repair a car after a minor crash, such as bumpers, grills, lights, and fenders, or any other high-demand parts that thieves can sell to make a profit.
At other times, thieves may steal to order, targeting vehicles with specific, desirable parts or expensive add-ons that have resale value. As a result, every type of car, from expensive vehicles to those popular among young drivers, is at risk.
How to Avoid Car Cannibalism
The best way to protect your car from thieves is to keep it out of sight. However, even if you have been targeted, there are still ways to deter a thief in progress or potentially recover your stolen items afterwards.
Park in a Safe Area
Always park your car in a safe area, even when parking for short durations. For extended stays, private car parks and garages are the safest as they are usually locked and have CCTV or other security measures in place. However, if you don’t have access to one of these, then a well-lit area with lots of footfall may be enough of a deterrent.
Since many of the stolen parts are located at the front of the vehicle, it may be beneficial to park facing a wall whenever possible, making the theft more difficult. Always ensure that your car is locked and take your keys with you — not only is this safer, but many car insurance premiums won’t pay out if you haven’t properly secured your car.
Mark Your Parts
It’s unlikely that you’ll ever recover your parts if they are stolen, but marking them can make it easier for the police to identify them, which means you may potentially get your stolen parts back. In some cases, marked parts can be a deterrent if the thief notices the marking, as they’ll be more reluctant to steal a part that can be traced. People buying the parts may also realise they have been stolen if they’re marked, and if so, they may be more likely to contact the police.
Use Technology
It’s worth considering installing a camera in your vehicle, such as a dashcam, if you haven’t already done so. A tracker can also help you locate your car if it is stolen. If you park in a driveway or just outside your home, a video camera on your property may catch the thieves in the act and be helpful to the police investigation. A security light that goes on when it senses movement can even be enough of a deterrent, and both of these options may be cheaper than replacing the stolen parts.
Mark Barclay, Head of Ecommerce at My Motor World, comments:
“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 doubtful you’ll get them back. Taking precautions against theft and ensuring you have insurance are the best ways to protect your car from cannibalism.
“You may find it useful to keep a supply of spares in your home or a secure garage, particularly for parts like lights. If your vehicle is cannibalised, you can then quickly install a new part and be back on the road in no time.”