Car cannibalism is on the rise – here’s how to stop your motor being targeted and save thousands

A car expert claims in-car cannibalism is on the rise – and has shared a few tips to avoid your engine being targeted.

Bonnets, bumpers and headlights are being ripped off engines in a new crime trend called “car cannibalism,” whereby parked vehicles are looted by gangs on demand.

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Conveniently, online parts retailer My Motor World has outlined ways you can prevent these unscrupulous thieves from tearing your engine apart.

Park in a safe area

Always park your car in a safe place, even if you are only parking for a short time.

For longer stays, private car parks and garages are the safest, as these are usually locked and have video surveillance or other security measures.

However, if you don’t have access to one of these areas, a well-lit area with a lot of passing traffic can be enough as a deterrent.

Since many of the stolen parts come from the front of the vehicle, it may make sense to park against a wall if possible to make theft more difficult.

Always make sure your vehicle is locked and take your keys with you – not only is it safer, but many car insurance premiums will not pay out if you don’t properly secure your car.

Mark your parts

It is unlikely that you will ever recover your parts if they are stolen. However, tagging them makes it easier for the police to identify them, which means you could potentially get your stolen parts back.

In some cases, marked parts can act as a deterrent once the thief notices the mark, as they are more reluctant to steal a part that can be traced.

People who buy the parts may also realize they have been stolen if they are tagged and are more likely to contact the police if this is the case.

Use technology

It’s worth installing a camera in your vehicle, such as a dash cam, if you haven’t already. A tracker can help you locate your car if it is stolen.

If you park in a driveway or right in front of your home, a video camera on your property can catch thieves in the act and prove useful to the police investigation.

A security light that illuminates when there is movement can even be enough as a deterrent, and both options can be less expensive than replacing the stolen parts.

Mark Barclay, Head of E-Commerce at My Motor World, said: “Like grand theft autos, auto cannibalism is another major concern for car owners. Because the stolen parts are so difficult to get back and have comparatively little value, it’s very bad.” You’re unlikely to get them back.

“Preventing theft and getting insurance are the best ways to protect your car from cannibalism.”

This comes after a car cleaning expert warned motorists never to use a household item to clean their car – citing it would do more harm than good.

In addition, motorists were stunned to discover that there was a hidden feature in their trunk.

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