The worst Greater Manchester areas for car thefts and the motors most at risk revealed as prosecutions rise

It has plagued Greater Manchester for decades. But it appears police may finally be making progress in putting the brakes on a crime which can bring not only inconvenience, but fear, misery, and trauma.

In the last 12 months to March 2023 GMP recorded 7,183 vehicle thefts - a 2.9 per cent increase on the previous year.

But there is evidence that the force is improving in identifying and catching the often highly organised gangs of car thieves who, at the top end, can make a lucrative living for stealing cars for export or to strip down to parts.

Statistics released to the Manchester Evening News by Greater Manchester Police reveal that in the 12 months to April 2023 there were 379 prosecutions for vehicle crime, which includes theft of and from vehicles - compared to 243 for the year before - a 56 per cent increase in crimes solved.

Supt Ian Jones GMP's lead for vehicle crime, said: "There is a wide variety of car crime in Greater Manchester, and it is different in different boroughs.

"In Wigan and Leigh at the moment we have a high number of motorbikes being stolen - including e-bikes. In Manchester city centre, vehicle crime is mainly theft from vehicles at the car parks, for example.

"In Oldham and Rochdale, Ford Fiestas are the main vehicles being stolen. Then you get other areas where Land Rovers and more prestige vehicles are being stolen - such as Trafford recently, and Bolton.

"Our motorbike problem in Leigh and Wigan is youths who are opportunist to use for a joyride in a local field; but say the Ford Fiestas, it is more organised. We believe a lot of those are getting used for chop shops, or sold on on auction sites online.

"Ford Fiestas are one of our most used vehicles, so parts are required. The theft