Research and Markets: Hi-Jacking is a Real Issue in the UK with More and More Vehicles Stolen; However This Can Be Stopped:

DUBLIN, Ireland--June 13, 2005--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c19117) has announced the addition of Protecting Motorists from the Hijacker to their offering.

Whilst amateur thieves still target older vehicles with poor security, professional thieves have adapted their methods to steal newer, higher value models as they return higher profit margins when sold on the black market, but these thieves have had to adapt their approach because of the effectiveness of sophisticated features such as immobilisers and deadlocking.

As a consequence, the UK has seen an increase in the number of cars stolen where the vehicle keys have been obtained by targeted pick-pocketing or burglary; by vehicle towing, where the car is taken to an area where thieves will have the time and tools at hand to bypass the security systems; by the use of false documents to secure a vehicle hire or test drive; and by hijacking, where the owner is attacked inside the vehicle and forced to surrender the keys.

Our report looks in detail at the anti-hijack protection fitted as original equipment to 171 vehicles on sale in the UK, analysing the fitment rate and type of system. Selective unlocking and automatic locking are the two principle features, but neither is mandatory and so far such protection has not produced much benefit in terms of UK car insurance ratings.

According to UK police, there is only low public awareness of the protection features available. We found that few manufacturers are marketing them actively and that the fitment rate where they are available as optional equipment is low, in spite of a relatively low cost.

Researching 22 principle manufacturers, we found that most brands offer both solutions, with just two in each case offering either automatic locking or selective locking alone, and four installing neither system. Our comprehensive study includes comparison charts that present all the details of fitment and operation of automatic locking and selective locking systems manufacturer by manufacturer, including where appropriate option prices and the individual models equipped with the features.

This report explains the fitment rate and type of Original Equipment features fitted into 171 vehicles by automotive manufacturers to specifically reduce the incidence of vehicle hi-jacking in the UK. The report covers the two main anti-hijack features - selective unlock and automatic lock.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c19117