The UK's 'most dangerous' car park with two crimes reported every single day
Car parks have become a hotspot for crime in the UK with 741 crimes reported in just one carpark alone in the space of 12 months - an average of two a day.
Car parks, often seen as mundane and utilitarian spaces, have become unexpected hotspots for crime across England.
They are increasingly becoming targets for a wide range of criminal activities.
From theft and vandalism to more serious offences such as violent and sexual assaults, car parks have turned into breeding grounds for illicit activities, raising significant concerns for both authorities and the general public.
As data reveals alarming crime rates in some of the country's busiest parking facilities, the need for enhanced security and preventative measures has never been more pressing.
Westfield London has been identified as England's most dangerous car park, with an alarming 741 crimes reported between February 2023 and January 2024, according to a new study by Howden Insurance.
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The study, which analysed official police data, highlights the growing concerns about safety in some of England's busiest parking areas.
Top Crime Hotspots
1. Westfield London:
Leading the list, Westfield London saw 742 crimes over the 12-month period, averaging two crimes per day.
Shoplifting was the most prevalent offense with 237 incidents, followed by other thefts (152) and theft from the person (111).
Additionally, there were 91 reports of violence and sexual offenses, making it the most crime-ridden car park in the country.
2. London Stansted:
The airport's parking area recorded 689 crimes, ranking it second.
The majority were other thefts (184), followed by 150 incidents of antisocial behavior.
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3. London Gatwick:
With 580 crimes, Gatwick Airport ranks third.
This location experienced 203 incidents of other theft, 98 of shoplifting, and 55 of violence and sexual offenses.
The data reveals that airports are particularly vulnerable to theft-related crimes.
4. Houndshill, Blackpool:
Ranking fourth, Houndshill Car Park in Blackpool reported 565 crimes, including 205 shoplifting incidents and 122 cases of antisocial behavior.
Violence and sexual offenses were also significant, with 104 reports.
5. Hyde Park, London:
Hyde Park's parking area rounded out the top five, with 527 crimes.
Theft from the person was the most common crime (155), followed by violence and sexual offenses (119) and other thefts (106).
The Westminster area, where Hyde Park is located, reported 3,736 crimes in or around parking areas, making it the second worst region for car park crime.
A spokesperson for Howden Insurance pointed out the prevalence of violence and sexual offenses in car parks, which accounted for 55,730 incidents over the year, significantly higher than vehicle crime (10,896 incidents).
They advised drivers to park in well-lit, visible areas and to hide any valuables to deter potential thieves.
"As the data suggests, violence and sexual offenses are more than five times more likely on or near a parking area than vehicle crime," the spokesperson noted.
"Taking precautions such as choosing well-lit spaces and hiding valuables can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim."
Express.co.uk has contacted Westfield for comment.
