Thieves steer clear: these are Britain's most crime-proof cars

Volvos, Citroens and Audis are among the most effective crime-resistant cars on the road, a survey has found.

Volvos, Citroens and Audis are among the most effective crime-resistant cars on the road, a survey has found.

The British Insurance Car Security Awards tested more than 5,000 vehicles over six years to determine which are most likely to frustrate thieves. Volvo Cars UK took the award for manufacturer, the best city/supermini was the Citroen C3 Exclusive, the small family category was won by the Audi A3 and the family category went to the Toyota Avensis saloon.

Car crime costs the British economy an estimated £3.5bn annually and affects 2.5 million people. The RAC has found that more than 40 per cent of motorists are more concerned about having their car broken into or vandalised than being attacked or robbed on the street (33 per cent).

Figures from the Home Office show that the number of car crime offences dropped from 2.9 million in 1999 to 2.4 million last year. The Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: "Crime overall is stable and vehicle crime is at its lowest for more than 20 years. But there is no room for complacency - improving car security has a significant impact on continuing to cut vehicle crime. Manufacturers have an important role to play."

Jo Dagustun, head of the motor department for the Association of British Insurers, said: "The insurance industry is committed to reducing vehicle-related crime. Insurers already take into account in-built security features in the rating of vehicles for insurance.

"The partnership approach between the insurance industry, government and motor manufacturers is the way forward to reduce further all vehicle crime."

SAFE AND SOUND

Citroen C3 Exclusive

Audi A3

Toyota Avensis saloon

Jaguar X-Type

Ford Focus C-Max Ghia (except 2.0i version)

Renault Espace (except Authentique)

Saab 9-3 convertible

Nissan 350Z coupé

Volkswagen Touareg

Audi A8 3.7 and 4.4 V8 Quattro