A major car insurance provider has urged motorists to take security precautions to put off the risk of vandalism and reducing car insurance claims.
A survey for Direct Line found that one in seven motorists had experienced vandalism in the last 12 months, causing £1.3 billion worth of damage.
Half of the victims asked did not report the crime to the police as they felt it was a waste of time. Most had found their vehicles keyed, with 33 per cent experiencing smashed windows and 26 per cent finding their cars' radio aerials bent.
Emma Holyer, motor spokesperson for the car insurance provider, urged motorists to use their garages or driveways if they have them, and to park their cars in well-lit areas.
"Many motorists believe this type of crime only happens in inner cities or car parks whereas your car is actually most at risk parked in a quiet dark street away from any street lamps," she said.
There were 1,564,000 recorded instances of vehicle vandalism in the year to March 2005, according to the Home Office.




