Redbridge tops table for car thefts
The BMW was stolen by audacious theives - Credit: Archant
Shocking figures show nearly 5,000 cars have been stolen in Redbridge since 2009 – the highest number in the capital.
Fords were the most popular model, with BMW and Nissan coming in second and third respectively.
According to Freedom of Information figures released by the Metropolitan Police, Redbridge has reported the highest number of car thefts every year for the past five years compared to all other London boroughs.
A total of 4,473 cars have been stolen, accounting for 7.4 per cent of all car thefts.
Edward Roberts, general manager of retailer Flash Cars, in Chigwell Road, South Woodford, said: “These figures do not surprise me in the slightest.
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“From my experience people have tried to sell me cars that I know are ‘moody’.”
One example, Mr Roberts said, is when fake traders buy a car and within 24 hours of making the purchase cancel the online money transfer.
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The criminal has then driven off with the car and taken their cash back.
“Before the seller realises what has happened, the funds are gone and so has the car too.”
Haji Arsisr, 38, a manager at Car Valley, Roding Lane South, South Woodford, believes some cars are “easier” to break into than others.
“Soon car businesses may have to move out of the borough,” he said.
