Berlin (dpa)- When Harald B. went outside the block of Berlin flats where he lives to get his Porsche 911 for a trip up-country he could hardly believe his eyes.
Thieves had cut out the headlamps with an electric saw leaving unsightly gaps where they had once been. The cost of the damage was estimated at up to €9,000 ($10,440).
"I took the car to a Porsche workshop where they told me the headlights are highly-prized. They said police are well aware of the problem," he told the local BZ newspaper.
Thieves in German towns and cities disconnect catalytic converters from under parked cars and rip out cockpit displays and navigation device screens.
Another favourite are parking sensors which on some cars can be removed within minutes. On modern VW Golfs one of the deviced is just behind the VW emblem. Replacement can costs thousands of euros since the sensors need to be recalibrated in the workshop.
Figures from the German Insurance Association (GDV) show that in 2023 parts such as on-board computers, steering wheels, and catalytic converters were stolen from cars in 63,000 cases. "The perpetrators cause economic damage that far exceeds the value of the stolen parts," says deputy GDV boss Anja Käfer-Rohrbach.
On average, insurers had to pay out almost €2,000 per case, around €125 more than in the previous year. The number of thefts fell between 2019 and 2022 but is now rising steadily.
The theft of car parts from premium cars and motorcycles such as Porsches, BMWs and Mercedes is a growing trend in Germany and other European countries where statistics show that in 2023 thieves struck on 80,000 occasions in France alone.
Experts estimate that one in 10 cars annually on the road has suffered from component theft, with most of the stolen parts heading to eastern Europe and Africa.
Many parts are stolen "to order," with bandits asked to look out for expensive components which are often simply sawn-off rather than properly dismantled.
The case of Harald B. was particularly blatant and the reason behind it was bizarre. It turns out that the intense light from Porsche headlamps is ideal for illuminating cannabis plantations.
According to German Criminal Police (BDK) chief Michael Böhl, the type of theft is well known and originates in the Netherlands.
A Berlin firm now offers an alarm which registers the slightest vibration at a car and triggers an app with push notification, phone call, or text message. Most Porsches have a keyless entry system and this potential security gap is protected by two chip transponders.
The theft of fancy alloy wheels is another problem, with thieves leaving cars stranded like beached whales or with axles propped up with house bricks at the roadside. Bumpers and spoilers are another favourite with the car strippers who can usually remove these items within minutes before anyone notices what they are doing.
Protecting your car is not easy but by paying attention to a number of factors, the risks can be reduced.
Parking in monitored locations, especially in parking garages with camera monitors will deter thieves.
Installing acoustic alarms that go off at the slightest movement can scare off criminals before they even get out their tools and start stealing.
For expensive alloy wheels there are rim-alarms available since traditional wheel-locks are often not enough to deter criminals. Claw-like locks prevent access to the wheel nuts.
It also pays to mark expensive parts with indelible dye and also make a note of any serial numbers on key components.
Motorcyclists should choose sturdy attachment points when securing their two-wheelers with extra chains to prevent wheel theft.
GPS trackers have proven their worth in combating vehicle theft, with a recovery rate that has at least doubled for both cars and motorcycles. They can also be an ally in preventing the theft of spare parts.
Those with theft alerts and on-board detection of suspicious movements can keep owners in touch with what is happening with their vehicle.
Remember though, it is better to call the police rather than try and tackle potentially armed robbers while they attempt to steal items.
Those who have suffered from parts theft should remain vigilant and trawl sales platforms like eBay. This is also a case for the police who will often suggest arranging a deal to view the parts and send an officer to the meeting.
Finally, if even your best efforts fail to locate the stolen parts, consider having their replacements engraved to limit future theft.
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