Car thefts in Bulgaria have increased by nearly 9 % in the first eleven months of this year compared to 2014.

Since the beginning of the year, 3637 cars have been stolen, while the number of car thefts in 2014 stood at 3338.

The greatest number of thefts occurred in the four largest cities – Sofia (2204), Plovdiv (131), Varna (342) and Burgas (196).

The largest increase in the number of car thefts was registered in the towns of Smolyan and Silistra, where the crimes have increased by 300 %.

Last year, four cars were stolen in Smolyan, while so far this year thirteen car thefts have been registered.

There were six car thefts in Silistra in 2014, while there have been eighteen so far this year, private bTV station informs.

One of the reasons for the increase in car thefts is that even if the thief is caught, it is very difficult for police to gather evidence against the criminal.

The legislation, which dates back to 1968, stipulates that in order for the evidence to be sufficient the thief has to be caught not at the moment of breaking into the car, but while driving the stolen vehicle.

Furthermore, the thief has to confess the crime and there must be a witness.

Proposals for amendments to the legislation have been tabled to parliament, but voting has not yet taken place.

Policemen investigating car thefts are hoping that the MPs will soon vote in favour of the amendments, which will criminalise not only the driving of a stolen car, but also its theft.