Six most stolen car accessories and how to protect yours

Vehicle hijackings in South Africa continue to rise in 2024, deeply affecting residents. Cartrack, a leading car-tracking company, notes that theft of car components is now more common than theft of entire vehicles. The demand for affordable parts on the black-market fuels this trend, as parts are easier to conceal and harder to trace.

Despite motorists adopting safety measures like installing multiple tracking devices and parking in well-lit areas, carjackers are becoming more sophisticated. Internal data shows that the most frequently stolen accessories include wheels, batteries, sound equipment, mirrors, and headlights. Chop shops dealing in stolen car parts have an estimated trade value of about R442 million, making this a lucrative and less traceable market than selling stolen cars. Even some car mechanics have been implicated, replacing parts with faulty ones during repairs.

To protect yourself and your vehicle from these seasoned thieves, consider the following precautions:

• Equip your wheels with locknuts.
• Reinforce your battery bracket.
• Always park in busy, well-lit areas.
• Double-check that your vehicle is locked.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Avoid high-risk areas and hijacking hotspots.
• Never connect to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks from your car.
• Stay vigilant and do not be lured out of your car.
• Install a GPS tracker to locate your vehicle if stolen or hijacked.

In light of the rise in vehicle hijackings and related road crimes, having comprehensive cover for your vehicle is essential. It provides financial protection against theft and covers repair costs from break-ins or accidents related to attempted car theft. Comprehensive insurance can also help replace stolen or damaged parts, such as batteries or headlights, which are common targets for thieves and expensive to replace without insurance.