The parts are worth a pretty penny being rare and in demand. I can see why they would make a decent target.

Plus a pikey spends his life stealing and brawling so have no fear in trying to pinch them, police have a nightmare with them and they will be more than happy to throw punches or worse with someone disturbing them.

Best bet is not to have the cars on show, and if you are heading home, use common sense, if someone looks iffy and is following you, circle the block and see what they do, if they follow, sod off on a detour and loose them before coming back home.

I had some gypo's years back try to get me to follow them so they could buy my motor (which wasn't for sale). I was trapped in so had to follow them so far, then at the first opportunity booted it away.