Improvements in car security systems appear to be helping the UK motor industry in winning the battle against car thieves.

Figures gathered from the police and insurance industry shows that a total of 107,000 vehicles were stolen during last year. The figure is smaller than 119,000 stolen vehicles in 2009 and 143,000 in 2008.

Director Andrew Miller, of research at Berkshire-based motor insurance repair research center, Thatcham, said that they were doing they were doing their best to crack down on car crime.

CEO Paul Everitt, of Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, said, “Car and van manufacturers take vehicle security very seriously and strive to stay one step ahead of criminals.”

British Vehicles Security Awards, which are held annually, recognize car manufacturers which have made sincere efforts to make their cars more secure in order to discourage car thieves.

This year’s British Vehicles Security Awards event was organized on Wednesday at Thatcham Research Center, where acclaimed car manufacturer Volkswagen was named as the best manufacturer for 2011.

Audi UK and Volvo UK grabbed the second and the third places in the list of best manufacturer for 2011. The Audi A1 (best city car), the Volvo C30 (small family car) and the Citroen C5 Exclusive (family car) were named the best security individual model winners.