Motorists across the UK could be placing the safety of their vehicles at risk by failing to adequately look after their cars, with new research revealing more than four in ten drivers would hand over their keys to a stranger.

Research carried out by YouGov on behalf of the UK automotive industry, government, police and insurance bodies has shown how 43 per cent of UK vehicle operators have done this in the past.

It is an alarming statistic, especially given the fact that car theft continues to affect as many as 80,000 people across the UK every year.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: "Manufacturers invest billions of pounds every year to stay one step ahead of the criminals and the latest models include sophisticated immobilisers, smartphone-controlled tracking devices and random key codes to prevent cloning.

"Technology can only do so much, however, and while car makers, the police and government continue to work together to ensure that stealing cars is as difficult as possible, these latest figures show there's more consumers can do to minimise risk."

Indeed, the SMMT has therefore published its own ten-point plan for vehicle safety, with the top piece of advice being to only ever entrust the safety of a vehicle with a trusted person.

Never hand over keys unless you can be sure the person receiving them will properly look after your vehicle.