TWICE as many cars are stolen in Britain than in any other European country, according to the latest annual car crime study by Eagle Star Direct. The study, based on the latest European Union and insurance organisation statistics, found that the UK's car theft record was double that of the next worst country, France.

In the UK an average of 22 cars were stolen for every 1,000 in use, while in France just 11 per 1,000 were stolen. The lowest rate was in Austria, where less than 1.5 cars per thousand were stolen, followed by Switzerland with a rate of three cars per 1,000.

Divisional director of underwriting Graham Johnston said Government had a role to play in cutting car crime, but it was up to motorists to make sure cars were fitted with security devices, locked at all times and that valuables were kept out of view. He added that the study did not reveal thefts for individual towns and cities, but figures from last year showed that Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield were black spots for theft of and from cars.