THE Volkswagen Golf is the car which has been targeted most often by vehicle thieves across Bradford in the past two years.

Figures released following a Freedom of Information request by the Telegraph & Argus reveal 267 Golfs were reported stolen to police during burglaries and robberies during 2016 and 2017.

A total of 4,142 vehicle thefts were recorded across the district – an average of 5.6 a day.

Other cars which proved popular with thieves included the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus and Audi A3, while the most stolen van was the Ford Transit.

A spokesman for Ford said the Transit had been the bestselling commercial vehicle for 52 years and added: “Ford takes vehicle security very seriously and continuously invests in security measures that are integrated into our vehicles to deter theft.

“Our security team routinely monitors and investigates new ways thieves are targeting our vehicles to maintain a high level of deterrence. We are constantly learning more about these latest theft techniques, and assessing the effectiveness of software, hardware and design counter-measures.”

He said the company was aware of a potential security risk to Transit models which meant people could gain access to the cabin and load space.

He added that a software update had been introduced to vehicles on the production line and dealers had been notified so updates could be fitted to customers’ vans.

A spokesman for Volkswagen said: “Volkswagen’s electronic and mechanical security measures are always state-of-the-art technology, and Volkswagen also offers innovative technologies in this field that are constantly being developed.”

Bradford has also been named the most expensive place to insure vehicles outside London, according to price comparison website Confused.com.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at the company, said: “While many modern cars are installed with anti-theft devices to deter thieves, there is still a shockingly high number of cases being reported to police. And, as if someone stealing your vehicle isn’t enough, it’s likely the owner will be stung when they come to renew their car insurance.

“Many different factors can bump up the cost of car insurance, including living in an area where car theft and damage is high. Reports of stolen cars often lead to owners having to make a claim for damage, meaning insurers will have to pay out to cover the cost of repairs. And insurers will compensate for this risk when insuring cars in areas which see a high number of these incidents.”

A dad-of-five who was the victim of an attempted carjacking in Little Germany said the consequences of vehicle crime could be much greater than losing your car.

Imran Tariq was attacked in November 2016 when two men tried to drag him from his wife’s Audi Q3.

He was repeatedly punched, resulting in fractures to his cheekbone, eye socket, nose and ribs, and needed a six-and-a-half-hour operation to repair his face.

Mr Tariq said the family moved house and traded in their car for something more modest as a result of the incident.

And he said he was afraid of it happening again after the family experienced another attempted vehicle theft before Christmas.

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He said: “I have got four young children. Even after the incident it still scares my kids and it scares my wife.

“Because of the injuries I can’t eat, I can’t sleep and I suffer from anxiety. I’m still paranoid.

“I was beaten up quite badly.

“A person can’t imagine what it’s like until they have been through it themselves. And it happens just for the sake of a vehicle, but they could probably take your life.

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“I am lucky to be alive, I took a hell of a beating, it stays with you for life.

“It’s hard explaining to your kids what you have been through. I’ve just lost confidence. It breaks me every day to be honest. It’s not just about getting your car taken, there are after-effects on your family and yourself.”