Car insurance news

Women become car crime targets

Nowadays we might get car insurance for women at a great price, but new research has revealed that us girls are falling victim to car crime in increasing numbers because we're seen as an easy target.

Statistics released last week by the Metropolitan Police show the number of carjacking incidents in London jumped by a whopping 25% between 2004 and 2005, and police claim that many of the new victims are women.

The steep increase in carjackings is thought to be partly due to improved vehicle security, which makes it harder for thieves to break into cars. As a result, many are turning their back on the conventional art of breaking into cars, and are choosing instead to attempt thefts at junctions and in traffic jams.

A police spokesman said, "If a criminal sees two vehicles he would like to steal and one is driven by a man and another by a woman, they are more likely to target the woman driver because, rightly or wrongly, they will perceive her as more vulnerable."

Actress Adele Silva found herself the victim of a carjacking after an innocuous bump on her way home from work. When she got out to inspect the damage, the driver of the other car grabbed her keys and roared off.

She tried to hold onto the car door and told reporters, "Then he thumped me on the side of the head to get me to let go. He sped off and his accomplice followed in the other car. It was clearly well rehearsed and they were obviously an experienced gang."

Craig Handy from CoverGirl Car Insurance, the expert car insurance for women providers, warned, "Always keep your doors locked and be aware of anybody that could be a potential thief, no matter how polite or nice they initially seem."

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