One city in the northeast has been named as one of the worst places in Britain for car crime.
Hundreds of crimes are reported in Darlington, including theft and damage to cars, making it the eighth highest place for crime.
And it’s Darlington’s DL1 zip code area that came out on top compared to the rest of the Northeast.
In 2020 alone, 225 stolen vehicles were reported in the region.
The DL1 postcode includes the city center and the surrounding areas of Harrowgate Hill, Beaumont Hill and Haughton Le Skerne.
Ford Fiestas was the most popular stolen car in the UK and the LE2 zip code in Leicester, East Midlands was the highest with 342 felonies.
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A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said:
A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “Being a victim of car crime can be extremely worrying and unsettling, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your vehicle.
“Whenever possible, always park carefully and in a busy, well-lit area. If you are parking at home, use your garage or driveway if you have one and always take any valuables with you when you get out of your car.
“Don’t just rely on your key fob to lock your vehicle – always check that the car is actually locked when you leave your car unattended.
“If you have a keyless car, it is worth investing in a Faraday bag to keep your car keys in. Be thieves when using advanced methods like relay technology to unlock your vehicle.
“Tracking devices and steering wheel locks can also act as a deterrent, minimize damage and increase the chances of recovery.”
Most popular postcodes and stolen vehicles between January 1st and December 31st, 2020.
1. LE2 (Leicester) 342
2nd SL1 (mud) 285
3. SN5 (Swindon) 268
4. GU11 (Aldershot) 263
5. B25 (Birmingham) 256
6. MK14 (Milton Keynes) 252
7. SK3 (Stockport) 233
8. DL1 (Darlington) 225
9. SL3 (mud) 192
10. L39 (Ormskirk) 177
Source: DVLA.
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