56% of Brits have been victims of car crime
Posted by Richard Sinclair
More than half of all motorists in the UK have been the victim of vehicle crime, a survey has revealed.
Conducted by M&S Car Insurance, the research revealed that some 12 per cent have returned to their vehicles to find that their paint work had been maliciously damaged.
Some eight per cent have had their car windscreen smashed while another eight per cent have had personal belongings stolen from inside their vehicles.
The car insurance company also found that 40 per cent of Brits do not always use their car's security system and a shocking 43 per cent admitted to having left their cars unlocked.
Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general insurance, said: "During the summer months, many drivers unwind windows and leave roofs open – it's important to make sure the vehicle is secure when unattended."
He went on to say that failure to do so can invalidate insurance claims.
Last month, Auto Windscreens advised motorists that they can prevent their cars from being damaged by using purpose-made windscreen washer fluid.
This stops a vehicle's windscreen wiper blades from scratching its car glass. 
