UK requires Chinese auto companies to enhance vehicle anti-theft devices: Unlike China, there are too many car thefts here

Recently, UK insurers have told Chinese automakers that in order for vehicles to be on the road in the UK, they must make key modifications to the vehicles: that is, to strengthen anti-theft devices.

According to a report by The Guardian on September 14, in the UK, an average of 11 car theft cases occur every hour, while car crimes in China are very rare. Industry insiders said this is a "rapid learning process" for Chinese automakers. The added anti-theft features in Chinese cars exported to the UK include simple mechanical devices such as anti-theft wheel nuts and an additional layer of steel around door locks, as well as software systems used to detect and prevent unauthorized access.

This year, the sales of Chinese cars in the UK have increased significantly, accounting for about one twelfth of new car sales in the UK, including models from MG and BYD, an electric vehicle company. Newcomers such as Chery have started selling their own brand fuel SUVs in the UK this month. Since launching the Omoda and Jaecoo brands in the UK earlier this year, Chery's new car sales in the UK have reached approximately 20,000 units.

According to local regulations, new models exported to the UK must undergo a risk assessment conducted by professional institutions on behalf of insurance companies. The assessment tests include a two-minute "anti-cracking test." Test results showed that several Chinese models need to enhance their anti-theft performance.

Ben Townsend, head of the automotive department at Thatcham Research, a vehicle risk assessment company, said, "We work closely with Chinese automobile manufacturers and provide recommendations on vehicle safety upgrades tailored for the UK market."

He pointed out, "In China, the issue of car theft differs from what the UK and Europe face, so some features such as engine anti-theft locks, door protection devices that prevent contact with internal locking mechanisms, and software-based intrusion detection systems were not previously considered a priority."

He added that these features usually do not require major structural modifications to the vehicle, meaning they can be applied to mass-produced new models.

"We found that Chinese car brands have responded very positively and acted quickly in implementing these improvements," Townsend said.

Chery executives stated that the relevant modifications have been rapidly implemented in the production process in China. Oli Lowe, product manager at Chery UK, said that Chery has a dedicated regional R&D center to ensure that cars meet the standards for sale in the UK.

He said, "Some simple but crucial adjustments, such as adding anti-theft wheel bolts, not only ensure that the vehicles meet local requirements but also provide higher security for our consumers in the UK, enhancing their confidence in purchasing."

A spokesperson for a UK car dealer said that when Japanese and South Korean automakers first entered the UK market years ago, they also faced similar compliance adjustments.

The report states that generally speaking, it is believed that the rate of car theft and other theft incidents in China is much lower than in the UK.

Recently, the problem of car theft in the UK has shown a clear upward trend, becoming a focus of attention for society and the insurance industry.

In 2023, approximately 64,000 cars were stolen in the UK, an increase of about 5% compared to the previous year, making it one of the countries with the highest number of car thefts in Europe.

Data from the UK National Statistics show that the total number of reported car theft cases in England and Wales during the year ending March 2025 has increased to 102,000. The car with the highest theft rate in the UK is the Ford Fiesta, which was once produced locally in the UK, and over 4,000 units of this model were stolen last year.

In terms of case distribution, large cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester, as well as surrounding areas, are most concentrated. The high population density, limited parking space, and concentration of high-value vehicles in these areas make them hotspots for theft.

Not only has the number of thefts increased, but the methods have also changed. Traditional methods such as breaking locks or windows are gradually being replaced by electronic means. Many cases involve keyless entry systems or hacking into vehicle electronic systems, making high-end models and locally popular models the preferred targets for thieves.

It is not only the UK, but Italy, France, Spain, and Germany also have serious car theft cases.

In 2023, Italy reported approximately 130,000 stolen cars, France about 70,000, and Spain and Germany each had around 30,000 stolen cars, with significant increases compared to the previous year.

The theft rate varies greatly between countries. In Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and France, an average of more than 250 cars are stolen per 100,000 residents in a year. Southern European countries such as Portugal and Spain have relatively lower rates. Theft cases are often concentrated in large cities and densely populated areas, such as the Île-de-France region around Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid.

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1843307182570496/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.