While it is commonly perceived by the public that old model vehicles are less targeted by car thieves, the police say this is not the case. In fact, older cars are “hot items” among criminals at the moment, reports Bernama.
Speaking to the publication, Cheras district police chief ACP Mohamed Mokhsein Mohamed Zon said old locally made car models are the “preferred” choice of criminals because of their spare parts. Referring to statistics by the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTREC), the Proton Wira topped the Q3 2019 Industry Vehicle Theft Statistics, followed by the Iswara and Toyota Hilux.
It isn’t just parts that attract criminals to older cars, as the opportunity to steal them often presented itself. According to Mohamed Mokhsein, there are 1.33 million people in Cheras and there are some areas that do not have proper parking, so they have to park their vehicles outside the gates and in areas with no security guards.
“This provides an opportunity and space for criminals to steal vehicles using rulers and such, and this does not require high-tech equipment. I want the community to change their perception that old model vehicles will not be stolen because we have received many such cases,” he told Bernama.
However, Mohamed Mokhsein said luxury vehicles were also targeted by criminals due to their wider market “appeal,” including overseas. According to him, a total of 132 car theft and 264 motorcycle theft cases were reported in the period from January until July 25 this year, with 27 people arrested. During the same period last year, the number of cases reported was 366 for car thefts and 562 for motorcycle thefts.
He added those arrested for stealing vehicles were typically aged between 14 and 51 years old, with some of them having previous criminal records for committing the same crime. “Various preventive measures have been taken, including reminding the residents in this area to be more vigilant as well as suggesting a suitable area to park vehicles,” said Mohamed Mokhsein.
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Discontinued model hard to get spare part. So the stolen cars being cannibalised for the parts. High demand.
Many those discontinued model dumped roadside
Either that, or the car is too broke until couldn’t sell off – better made-up a stolen case than to sell it.
Proton masih dalam hati semua rakyat.
p1 king!
I drive a range rover so I don’t worry about getting stolen but worries about the car breakdown…
The power of immobilizer to deter car theft which is why both Perdana and Waja is not in the list.
Nah…Perdana esp the V6 got potential to breakdown during gateaway so risk to the thief. The Sei is not attractive.
Waja got the center aircond vent always blowing cold air to the gateaway driver thus affecting his/her focus. Risk of getting caught as cant focus on getting away. Cant roll down window as power window kong.
Try reporting Kia Spectra or proton savvy stolen.. And the officer as well as insurance claims Dept will laugh out loud..until tears come.out.
Reason : hard to believe
Deswai naza sutera n pijot 207..dambaan ramai
When there are needs, there are demands……
Anyway, when cars gets stolen, police blame car owners, and vice versa. So, who is doing their job?
Apsal in Japan, cars hardly get stolen?
Old/Classic cars are legends than new
Only in Malaysia a supercar is in top 5 stolen vehicle….