Drivers have been warned that thousands of vehicle crimes and thefts are expected to peak next month across England and Wales, according to concerning trends.
Analysis found that vehicle crimes, particularly across urban areas, experienced the highest risk during the autumn period, while rural regions remain relatively safe.
Shockingly, the study revealed that incidents of vehicle crime tend to rise during autumn months, peaking in October, when nearly 90,000 offences were recorded.
This compares to February this year, when research showed the lowest levels, with just over 70,000 reported crimes.
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Reports revealed that vehicle offences peak in October, with last year recording more than 90,000 cases
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Researchers have suggested that shorter days and darker evenings may contribute to the autumn spike, where reduced visibility has created more opportunities for theft to occur.
The report found that the Metropolitan Police Service recorded the highest overall number of vehicle crimes, with more than 96,500 incidents occurring over the 12 months.
Meanwhile, West Midlands Police registered more than 30,000 incidents while West Yorkshire Police reported nearly 18,000.
When adjusted for population size, the research detailed how London and the West Midlands were among the riskiest places in the country to own a car.
Experts have advised drivers to invest in dashcams to help avoid vehicle crimes
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Warwickshire and South Yorkshire also emerged as high-risk regions, with each recording close to nine crimes per 1,000 people.
Dyfed-Powys, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire ranked among the safest forces, reporting the lowest crime volumes during the 12 months.
According to the study, the Metropolitan Police Service recorded the highest level of vehicle crime per capita, at 11 offences per 1,000 people.
This was followed by the West Midlands Police at 10.4 per 1,000, Warwickshire Police at 9.1 per 1,000, South Yorkshire Police at 8.9 per 1,000, and Lincolnshire Police at 8.7 per 1,000.
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This compares to some areas, which reported lower levels of vehicle crime. Cheshire Constabulary, Lancashire Constabulary, and North Yorkshire Police each recorded between 1.4 and 1.5 crimes per 1,000 people.
Jamie Barke, managing director of CarMats4U, said: "While it's encouraging to see crime levels fall in the colder months, the data shows clear spikes in the spring and autumn.
"The pattern suggests opportunistic thieves are more active at certain times of year, particularly as the days grow shorter."
Drivers have been urged to park in well-lit areas during the autumn months
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Mr Barke warned that the impact of vehicle crime often goes beyond the financial cost. He detailed how "when a vehicle is damaged or targeted, it's not just the repair bill".
"For many, it's a devastating experience, especially when people have invested in personalising or maintaining their car," he added.
The expert urged motorists to park in well-lit areas, use steering wheel locks, keep valuables out of sight, and fit dashcams into vehicles, which "can all help deter criminals".