Vehicle crime and parts theft in South Africa have evolved, with criminals increasingly targeting car accessories and vehicle parts that can be removed quickly and resold easily.
This includes alloy wheels and batteries, as well as side mirrors and infotainment systems, which MiWay Insurance explained can leave drivers with expensive repair bills and unnecessary stress.
Quoting Tracker South Africa, the insurer noted that opportunistic vehicle-part theft and organised theft syndicates continue to affect motorists across several regions of the country.
“Criminals often target parts that are difficult to trace and in constant demand on the black market,” it said.
“The good news is that there are practical ways to reduce the risk.”
The insurer highlighted six of the most commonly stolen car accessories in South Africa, with alloy wheels and tyres topping the list.
“Mag wheels and tyres remain among the most frequently stolen vehicle accessories because they are valuable and relatively easy to remove,” it explained.
“Vehicles parked overnight on pavements, in poorly lit areas or in open parking lots are often more vulnerable.”
MiWay also provided a list of ways to protect your vehicle’s wheels and tyres, including:
- Install wheel lock nuts
- Park in secure or monitored areas
- Avoid isolated parking spaces
- Use security cameras where possible
- Turn wheels toward the curb when parking
It added that if your mag wheels or tyres do end up getting stolen, replacement costs can escalate quickly, especially on newer vehicles with premium rims.
Additional advice from MiWay is for drivers to regularly review their cover to understand how car insurance excess payments may affect theft-related claims for things like wheels.
Other commonly stolen car parts
According to MiWay, the next most commonly targeted vehicle accessory is the battery, because it can be removed and resold easily.
It added that commercial vehicles and older cars are often more vulnerable to battery theft, as access may be easier.
The insurer’s tips for protecting your battery from theft are:
- Reinforce battery brackets
- Ensure bonnet locks work properly
- Park in visible areas
- Install alarm systems
- Avoid leaving vehicles unattended for long periods
“Battery theft can leave drivers stranded unexpectedly, especially during long-distance travel or cold winter mornings,” it said.
“Regular vehicle maintenance checks may also help identify tampering or suspicious damage early.”
Because modern side mirrors are no longer simple accessories and include things like cameras, blind-spot sensors, heating elements, and electronic folding systems, they have become attractive to thieves.
Protecting your car’s mirrors from theft could be as simple as:
- Fold mirrors inward where possible
- Park in secure areas
- Avoid overnight street parking
- Stay alert in theft hotspot areas
Harder to steal, but still valuable, components include headlights and tail lights, especially LED and adaptive headlights that are increasingly targeted because of their high resale value.
Criminals will specifically target newer vehicles because their lighting systems are expensive and easier to resell individually, making it important to protect them by doing the following:
- Park in monitored areas
- Use secure parking garages
- Install alarm systems
- Avoid leaving vehicles overnight in isolated locations
“Drivers often underestimate how expensive modern lighting systems can be until replacement quotes arrive,” said MiWay.
Interior accessories high on the hit list are sound systems and infotainment units, while touchscreen infotainment systems, amplifiers and navigation units remain targets because they are valuable and portable.
Ways to protect your car’s sound system include:
- Do not leave valuables visible
- Keep windows fully closed
- Use secure parking
- Avoid displaying expensive aftermarket upgrades openly
“Criminals often look for quick opportunities, especially in shopping centre parking areas and public spaces,” noted MiWay.
Finally, number plates are often stolen to use in other vehicle-related crime, including cloning, while car badges are also frequently stolen and resold online.
Protecting these can be as simple as:
- Use anti-theft screws
- Check plates regularly
- Replace stolen plates immediately
- Report theft to authorities as soon as possible
While reporting any vehicle crime is advised, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has encouraged motorists to report stolen number plates as soon as possible to reduce the risk of criminal misuse.
Loading ...
