The car insurance company Direct Line have conducted fresh research into the true cost of car vandalism.
The company found that as many as two out of every five drivers had been the victims of vandalism. Direct Line found that this vehicle vandalism has resulted in costs to motorists of some £659 million.
Compared to 2006 figures, the level of car vandalism in the UK appears to be climbing. 2007 figures were 100 million higher than the year before. The survey indicates that vandalism usually occurs at night, when the car is parked outside the owners house .
Usual forms of vandalism were found to include scratches, broken wing mirrors and smashed windows. The head of car insurance at Direct Line, Tony Chilcott, reportedly commented: "Car vandalism is a crime which often goes unreported as many victims believe that doing so is a fruitless and frustrating exercise."




