Six most stolen car accessories and how to protect yours

From alloy wheels and batteries to mirrors and infotainment systems, stolen car accessories can leave drivers with expensive repair bills and unnecessary stress.

According to Tracker South Africa, 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.

The good news is that there are practical ways to reduce the risk.

Here are six of the most commonly stolen car accessories in South Africa and how drivers can help protect them.

Mag wheels and tyres remain among the most frequently stolen vehicle accessories because they are valuable and relatively easy to remove.

Vehicles parked overnight on pavements, in poorly lit areas or in open parking lots are often more vulnerable.

How to protect your wheels and tyres

• 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

If your wheels or tyres are stolen, replacement costs can escalate quickly, especially on newer vehicles with premium rims.

Drivers reviewing their cover should understand how a car insurance excess may affect theft-related claims.

Car batteries are another common target because they can be removed and resold easily.

Commercial vehicles and older vehicles are often more vulnerable because battery access may be easier.

How to protect your battery

• 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.

Regular vehicle maintenance checks may also help identify tampering or suspicious damage early.

Modern side mirrors are no longer simple accessories. Many now include:

·       Cameras

·       Blind-spot sensors

·       Heating elements

·       Electronic folding systems

This makes them expensive to replace and attractive to thieves.

How to protect your mirrors

• Fold mirrors inward where possible
• Park in secure areas
• Avoid overnight street parking
• Stay alert in theft hotspot areas

Reports published by IOL Motoring continue to highlight how replacement costs for modern vehicle components are increasing significantly.

LED and adaptive headlights are increasingly targeted because of their high resale value.

Some criminals specifically target newer vehicle models because these lighting systems are expensive and easier to resell individually.

How to reduce risk

• 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.

Reviewing your car insurance benefits regularly may help you better understand what theft-related protection your policy includes.

Touchscreen infotainment systems, amplifiers and navigation units remain attractive targets because they are valuable and portable.

Visible accessories often increase the likelihood of a break-in.

How to protect your sound system

• 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.

According to the South African Police Service, opportunistic theft remains one of the biggest contributors to vehicle break-ins in urban areas.

Number plates are sometimes stolen for use in cloned vehicle crimes, while badges are frequently stolen and resold online.

How to protect your number plates

• Use anti-theft screws
• Check plates regularly
• Replace stolen plates immediately
• Report theft to authorities as soon as possible

The South African Police Service encourages motorists to report stolen number plates quickly to reduce the risk of criminal misuse.

Even smaller break-ins can result in:

• Broken windows
• Damaged locks
• Electrical faults
• Alarm damage
• Paintwork damage

These additional repair costs often surprise drivers after theft incidents.

That’s why understanding how vehicle cover and theft protection compare between policies is important before an incident happens.

If your vehicle accessories are stolen:

1. Report the incident to the police immediately.
2. Take photos of all damage.
3. Keep your case number safely.
4. Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
5. Avoid replacing parts before claims guidance where necessary.

Keeping proper documentation may help simplify the claims process.

Drivers can also review how insurance claims generally work after vehicle-related incidents.

Vehicle-part theft can happen quickly and unexpectedly, even in areas that appear relatively safe.

That’s why many drivers explore comprehensive car insurance options that may help provide protection against theft, break-ins and accidental damage.

Understanding your policy properly before an incident happens can help reduce unnecessary stress later.

Vehicle-part theft often happens quickly and opportunistically.

Simple habits such as locking your vehicle properly, parking in safer areas and staying aware of theft hotspots may help reduce the risk significantly.

According to insights shared by Tracker South Africa, visible deterrents and secure parking remain some of the most effective ways to reduce opportunistic theft risk.