Car theft in United Kingdom

Cars are stolen. Valuables left visible also create a theft risk. Cardiff is described as having a relatively high rate of car theft.

You are leaving the car overnight on a poorly lit street. Bags or other valuables are visible inside.

Remove valuables from the car. Check that the car is locked before leaving. Choose a well-lit car park for overnight parking.

Report the theft to police. Contact the rental company if relevant, then your insurer. Do not approach a suspected thief yourself.

Especially poorly lit streets in Adamsdown, Splott, Riverside and Butetown at night. It has been reported in Cardiff.

Common. The United Kingdom is generally safe to visit, but tourists can face theft, street cons and misleading prices. London has several scams aimed at visitors, including rigged street games, ticket-machine theft and costly currency exchange. Watch your phone, refuse pushy offers and check prices before paying.

Yes: phone snatching, pickpocketing, knifepoint robbery and bicycle theft.

Emergency services: call 999 or 112 for an immediate serious threat to life or safety. Ask for the service you need and give your exact location, including the town or city. Local police: call 101 to report a crime or concern that does not need an emergency response. In London, the Metropolitan Police covers most of the city; the City of London Police covers the City of London. British Transport Police: speak to an officer or station staff about railway incidents. For the tissue-selling scam on trains, text 61016 when above ground. ATM premises or bank: tell staff if a machine has suspicious attachments or appears altered. Also report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Do not try to remove a device. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report suspicious, unauthorised or forced payments. Mobile provider: use the provider's official contact channel to report a stolen phone and block the SIM. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need document assistance. Travel insurer or rental company: report the loss through their official claims or support channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and supporting records.

Emergency police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999, Alternative emergency number: 112, Non-emergency police: 101.