Most targeted VEHICLE by criminals in South Africa NOW

Have you ever wondered what the most targeted vehicle in South Africa is?

MOST TARGETED VEHICLE BY CRIMINALS IN SOUTH AFRICA NOW

According to stats from Fidelity ADT, the most targeted vehicle in South Africa is the the popular Volkswagen Polo.

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It furthermore said by brand, the most commonly stolen cars in South Africa are Toyota, accounting for 31.6% of recorded incidents, with VW coming in at 14.1% and Ford following at 10.4%.

“Drill down further to look at specific models and you’ll find that while the popular Volkswagen Polo has long been targeted by thieves — including those simply looking to steal parts from parked cars — the segment-topping Toyota Hilux bakkie and its Fortuner SUV sibling regularly sit atop the list of the most frequently hijacked vehicles in the country. Joined by stablemates like the Prado, Land Cruiser and the since-discontinued Etios hatch, these Toyota-badged models are often either stolen and stripped for parts or moved quickly across our borders.”Fidelity ADT

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HERE ARE THE TOP FOUR VEHICLES TARGETED IN SA:

Reports suggested that syndicates target new high-end vehicles such as:

1. VW Polo
2. Toyota Hilux
3. Toyota Etios
4. Ford ranger

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CRIMINALS ARE USING SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY

The FANews, tracking companies said criminals are using sophisticated technology to adapt to new technologies, using programmers to counteract cars with keyless entry or emergency start capabilities, such as luxury SUVs.

The South African crime statistics recently released indicated an increase in hijackings across the country.

It furthermore reported a slight reduction countrywide in the theft of motor vehicles.

But according to, Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances, a specialist high-net-worth insurer and subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure, said they had seen a marked increase in vehicle thefts, with the majority target being Toyota luxury vehicles and other late model vehicles.

Old Mutual Insure is also reporting an alarming spike in the theft of vehicles.

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The spokesperson for Old Mutual Insure, Lizo Mnguni, said their Stolen and Recovered Vehicles unit has reported over 400 high-end vehicles stolen in 2022 alone.

“A major concern for us is on the keyless entry vehicles, as syndicates operate using relay devices to gain entry to a vehicle and use the keyless start functionality.”

THESE AREAS SHOW AN INCREASE IN MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

The recent report highlights a 7.7% increase in Pretoria, 49% increase in Honeydew, 33.3% increase in Krugersdorp and a shocking 63.5% increase in Boksburg North.

There are other areas in the greater Gauteng region that also reported a huge increase in motor vehicle thefts.

Vlok said this is reflected in their 2022 claims statistics.

“Our specialist investigation unit is working with select manufacturers to find long-term solutions to the problem, but at the moment, we can only combat these trends through rating and underwriting.”Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances

THESE VEHICLES ARE TYPICALLY STOLEN AT MALLS, SCHOOLS, OR RELIGIOUS EVENTS

Vlok furthermore added that if vehicle theft increases in specific areas, it may be likely that more insurers may, in time, require the installation of protective and anti-theft devices in such areas or with specific vehicle makes that are frequently targeted.

She said many of these stolen vehicles are being moved across the border before they can be recovered.

“Another trend we see is that these vehicles are typically stolen from shopping malls, schools or religious events. If your high-end, custom spec car has any electronic special features, or additional security systems, it is necessary to take precautions so that you don’t become an easy target for criminal syndicates.”Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances

HERE ARE TIPS SO THAT YOU DONT BECOME AN EASY TARGET

Below are Vlok’s top tips:

• • Make sure that all your additional security features are specified against the vehicle to ensure that you are not left out of pocket in the event of a total loss.
• • Strongly consider the installation of security tracking solutions. Technology has significantly improved, and these devices do not necessarily have to interfere with vehicle electronics or battery health.
• • Always be vigilant and aware of your environment.
• • Check that your vehicle is locked after you lock it with your remote locking device.
• • If your vehicle was stolen, give the investigators your full cooperation. We know this is a traumatic experience. Rely on them to assist you.
• • Your own safety and that of your family is the most important thing. Never compromise that for an item that is covered by insurance.