Gwent Police have disputed recent reports that tyre thefts in the area have surged by 55.6 per cent between 2023 and 2024.
The situation was brought into focus by information from tyre specialists Blackcircles, who submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and analysed Office for National Statistics (ONS) crime data to provide a clearer picture of tyre theft hotspots and vehicle offences.
The data, which outlined that Gwent saw tyre theft offences jump from 18 in 2023 to 28 in 2024, indicates the area as having one of the UK's sharpest increases—ranking fifth among escalating regions.
However, Gwent Police have stated that their numbers are closer to seven in 2023 and 11 in 2024.
They also say that the original data request from Blackcircles asked for statistics on anything with a motor, which can include e-bikes, but highlight that the figures released only refer to car tyre thefts so the data requested and released figures do not match.
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Nyo Logan, Tyre Expert at Blackcircles offered advice on how to keep your vehicles safe: "Having your tyres stolen is one of those nightmares that can ruin your day in seconds. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to deter thieves.
"Start with where you park. A car left in a quiet corner or on a dark side street is an easy target, so pick a well-lit, busy spot whenever you can. If you’ve got a driveway, a motion-sensor light, or even a basic camera, it can be enough to make criminals think twice.
"Locking wheel nuts are another easy way to protect your vehicle. They only cost a few pounds, but they need a special key to be removed. Changing a tyre with a locking wheel nut is almost impossible, meaning they can slow thieves down and often put them off altogether. Even small details help – like turning your wheels towards the kerb when you park, which makes it harder to access the bolts.
"And finally, keep your eyes open. If you spot unusual activity in your neighbourhood, let the police know. Tyre theft often occurs in spates, so quick reports can stop a pattern from spreading."
"Replacing wheels isn’t just expensive, it’s a hassle nobody needs. A few small habits can make a big difference to your chances of coming back to find your car exactly how you left it."
For those wishing to see the complete tyre theft hotspots report, it can be found at blackcircles.com/news/tyre-theft-hotspots-report.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Jason White, Head of Neighbourhoods at Gwent Police, stated: "Although reports of tyre theft are low in Gwent, we understand the impact this type of crime can have on people, as we know it can affect both their personal and professional lives.
"We encourage anyone who is a victim of theft to report this to us via 101, via our website or by sending us a direct message on social media."
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