Using detailed local crime data, we have identified Somerset’s most vulnerable locations for vehicle crime, including theft, break-ins, damage, and vandalism targeting cars, vans, and motorbikes.
Last year, police recorded over 340,000 incidents of vehicle crime across England and Wales. These offenses range from theft and attempted theft to damage or interference with vehicles.
Predictably, busy urban centers, airports, and areas with extensive long-term parking are hotspots for vehicle-related crime. For example, London’s Fitzrovia West & Soho (883 reports) and Strand, St James & Mayfair (724 reports) led in vehicle crime nationwide.
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Beyond London, Birmingham Airport’s vicinity, particularly Marston Green & Airport in Solihull, recorded the highest incidents outside the capital with 486 reports. Birmingham’s North Central & Dartmouth Circus (485) and Leicester City Centre (424) also saw significant cases.
Among affluent areas, Hans Town in Kensington and Chelsea stands out for a surprisingly high rate of vehicle crime—440 reported incidents last year. With a rate of 71 offenses per 1,000 residents, roughly one in every 14 residents experienced vehicle crime, highlighting concerns even in well-to-do neighborhoods.
Other notable high-rate areas include Pontcanna in Cardiff (242 reports), Beeston Hill & Hunslet Moor in Leeds (194 reports), and Willenhall Town in Walsall (227 reports).
Somerset’s own hot spots for vehicle crime appear in City Centre & Harbourside (199 reports), Temple Meads (194), and Bedminster (184), with the highest rates per 1,000 residents seen in City Centre & Harbourside (23.0), St Werburghs (19.0), and Lower Easton (18.8).
Vehicle theft carries severe consequences, with a maximum prison sentence of seven years. Lesser offenses like taking a vehicle without consent and vehicle interference have penalties of up to six months and three months, respectively.
Police crime data covers more than 7,000 neighborhoods across England and Wales, though Greater Manchester Police data is currently unavailable. These figures focus on areas with populations between 7,000 and 10,000 residents (Middle Super Output Areas). Notably, crimes at train stations are recorded separately by British Transport Police and are excluded.
By consulting our interactive map, residents can assess the prevalence of vehicle crime in their own neighborhoods and stay informed about local risks.