The president of the AA Edmund King has warned police at a car crime conference of drivers' concerns after 60% of AA members revealed that they think car crime has become more violent in recent years.

Despite the fact that vehicle crime has fallen 66% since the mid 90s, King said that there were still almost 1.5m vehicle related thefts in 2007/08 and that car crime still accounts for 13% of all recorded crime.

King added: “Last year 15,700 cars were stolen after keys were taken in a burglary and 2,900 cars stolen after keys were taken in muggings, pick pockets or car jacking.”