These are the most stolen car parts in South Africa
The theft of car parts is on the rise. These are the most common parts being stolen...
Vehicle hijackings and the theft of car parts are not new for South Africans, but do you know what criminals are after?
According to car tracking service Cartrack, car part theft has become more prevalent due to the high demand for cheap, readily available parts on the black market.
Car parts are also much easier to hide and harder to trace than vehicles.
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"We've heard many stories of vehicles being stolen and then later being found completely stripped," said Cartrack.
"Chop shops have an estimated trade value of about R442-million, which makes stealing and reselling car parts a lucrative business on the black market, sometimes more lucrative and less traceable than reselling a stolen vehicle. Thieves also see it as an easier way of getting out of the admin of hiding and selling a stolen vehicle because it is barely recognisable."
Despite motorists' attempts to increase safety measures, such as installing multiple tracking devices, parking in well-lit areas, and practising increased vigilance, criminals still find ways to get their hands on these car parts.
"Despite numerous safety measures, carjackers are evolving their techniques," says MiWay spokesperson Siyakha Masiye.
Data shared by TopAuto and MiWay revealed which car parts are most frequently stolen in South Africa:
- Wheels and tyres
- Wheel caps
- Car batteries
- Sound equipment
- Vehicle mirrors
- Headlights
- Tailgates
- Airbags
According to TopAuto, these components are quick and relatively effortless for criminals to seize.
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Four wheels, for example, can be taken in five minutes, airbags and tailgates in two minutes, and batteries in as little as one minute.
In an attempt to help motorists, Cartrack provided a few tips to make their cars less desirable for thieves:
- Keep your valuables out of sight
- Park in busy, visible, well-lit areas
- Double-check that your vehicle is locked
- Avoid driving in high-risk areas and hijacking hotspots
- Don’t connect your vehicle to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks
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IMAGE: iStock/ Phira Phonruewiangphing