High desirability and strong resale potential make specialist cars a particular target for car thieves. Whether stolen for parts, cloned for resale, or shipped abroad, these vehicles are often individually targeted rather than opportunistically taken. For owners, this means that vigilance and layered protection are essential.
While no security measure can provide absolute protection, adopting a combination of physical deterrents, electronic immobilisation, and advanced tracking technology can significantly reduce the risk to your vehicle.
Criminals target high-value cars
Specialist cars – including sports cars, classic cars, and other high-performance vehicles – attract some of the most sophisticated car criminals in the UK. High-value vehicles are often individually targeted, or stolen to order, for shipping to overseas locations. From there, they can be virtually impossible to trace and recover.
According to data from the Office of National Statistics (opens a new window), there were 375,048 reported vehicle thefts in England in Wales in the year ending September 2024. This represents a sharp increase compared with earlier years, highlighting how car crime has evolved alongside advances in technology.
Criminals now deploy devices and software capable of intercepting keyless entry signals, and overriding immobilisers, alarms, and tracking systems. In many cases, thieves can drive away in seconds without leaving visible signs of forced entry, making detection and recovery even more challenging.
Key steps to minimise risk of theft
There can never be an absolute guarantee of security. But taking sensible precautions and remaining vigilant can drastically reduce the chances of your classic or performance car becoming part of the car crime statistics.
Best practices to mitigate theft include:
Store your car safely – Between two-thirds and three-quarters (opens a new window) of vehicle-related thefts occurred at home, according to the ONS. Ideally, cars should be kept in an appropriately secured garage (opens a new window). This may be mandatory under certain insurance policies. Professional storage facilities offer another option.
Install an immobiliser – This will prevent your vehicle being started. Immobilisers are typically fitted to the ignition system, requiring a fob or similar device to override. The latest systems feature ADR (Automated Driver Recognition) to add an extra layer of protection.
Use physical security devices – Steering wheel locks or pedal locks are a cost-effective and attractive low-tech option for road users, offering a visible deterrent to potential thieves. But these are best combined with more advanced security systems.
Keep your keys secure – Many modern cars use keyless technology. However, keeping them in a safe place and using a Faraday pouch are recommended to protect against thieves.
Create obstacles to theft – CCTV, motion-sensitive driveway lighting, and security-fitted bollards can all reduce the chances of theft. Parking a lower-value vehicle behind your treasured performance or classic car can prevent thieves from driving away quickly.
Fit a car alarm – A simple but important security measure. If your vehicle is broken into, the alarm will alert anyone in the surrounding area. This can be enough to deter less determined car thieves.
Install advanced tracking devices – Fitting a Thatcham-approved device (opens a new window) for your car is often mandatory under classic and performance car insurance policies. Thatcham S5 trackers currently provide the best security, combining a tracking system with a secondary electronic immobiliser that’s shielded from devices designed to overcome default security features.
The security measures available to you will depend on the make of your car. Speak to the business that looks after your vehicle if you’re looking to fit a modern security system to an older car. They should be able to guide you through the available options.
Insurance-approved security bollards and barriers
Quality security bollards and barriers remain one of the most proven and long-standing defences against vehicle theft. But the market is crowded with products claiming various levels of “anti-ram” performance.
A common myth is that “anti-ram” means crash-rated — in reality, many of these products are simply heavy-duty and have not been tested. If you need to protect an asset against a specific vehicle size travelling at a certain speed, a correctly crash-rated bollard is required.
When choosing a bollard solution, it’s important to work with a reputable specialist and ensure products carry recognised, insurance-approved accreditations. Lockton’s preferred partner, Rhino Security (opens a new window), can help ensure the right standard is selected.
For more information about protecting your car, reach out to a member of our team.
