Incidences of vehicle theft have been rising here in Malaysia, with syndicates targeting pick-up trucks, 4x4s and SUVs in particular, according to The Star. The country is seeing a year-on-year increase in the number of vehicles stolen, reaching a high of 14,592 last year compared to 14,433 in 2022 and 13,426 in 2021.
Of those, motorcycles make up the lion’s share with 10,589 stolen, while 3,225 cars (inclusive of pick-ups, SUVs and MPVs, this is actually slightly down from 2022’s total of 3,264) and 778 lorries were also taken from their owners. As of September this year, the total of vehicles stolen reached 10,849, including 7,700 motorcycles, 2,535 cars and 614 lorries.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain told the publication in an interview that the stolen vehicles were being sold overseas – including neighbouring countries – with syndicates being paid handsomely.
Stolen vehicles are in high demand because they are a third the price of what they are on the used market. Other factors include the urgent need for spare parts. “Our investigations revealed that vehicle theft syndicates are targeting 4×4 vehicles and SUVs due to high demand, as such vehicles can fetch a high price in the black market.
“Local vehicle theft syndicates will be paid between RM20,000 and RM30,000 per luxury vehicle by international syndicates, depending on the type and condition of the vehicle,” Mohd Shuhaily said.
He added that criminals were turning towards vehicle theft due to the high profit and how little time it takes to steal it, estimating that just five minutes is all that it takes. Syndicates often target vehicles parked on the street, in open or public parking areas or in front of unfenced houses, although there have been several cases of luxury vehicle theft in gated neighbourhoods. Thieves often observe and follow the movement of their targeted vehicle for between 24 and 72 hours before stealing it.
The method of theft often changes over time to adapt to the increasing sophistication of vehicle security systems and now includes several electronic devices to unlock cars with keyless entry, as well as high-powered mobile jammers to disable GPS tracking. “The sale of such gadgets and equipment online is a major contributing factor towards the frequency of theft in Malaysia,” said Mohd Shuhaily. “These devices are easily accessible and purchased through online applications.”
He added that the ability to defeat keyless entry systems has been a major factor accelerating vehicle theft. “Syndicates have discovered ways to hack keyless entry systems or to bypass security systems without the use of the original key,” Mohd Shuhaily said.
Thieves also take advantage of owner negligence and the lack of vehicle security systems, as well as alarm systems that are easily accessible and vulnerable to tampering. “Other negligent behaviours are parking the vehicle in a secluded area or dark place, not installing additional locks, or worse, leaving the vehicle unlocked,” Mohd Shuhaily said.
As for what happens after the car is stolen, that depends on where it’s headed. “The modus operandi for the domestic market often involves tampering with engine and chassis numbers of the vehicles before selling them.
“The syndicates would also dismantle the stolen vehicles and sell the spare parts. For the international market, syndicates would smuggle the vehicles out of the country on demand,” said Mohd Shuhaily, adding that stolen vehicles are smuggled across the border using false registration numbers and documents similar to the model of the stolen vehicle.
Of the 53,300 vehicles stolen since 2021, 13,704 have been recovered by the CID, specifically its Intelligence, Operations and Records Division (D4). “We also detained 17,199 individuals nationwide in connection with vehicle thefts. All those who have been arrested had criminal records, including car and motorcycle thefts as well as drug offences,” Mohd Shuhaily said.
Among the measures taken by the police was the close collaboration with enforcement agencies in Thailand to thwart transnational organised crime along the border. “Conducting joint operations to monitor illegal passages or routes is also vital. We also increased the frequency of patrols in hotspot areas and have stepped up the arrest and prosecution of vehicle thieves,” Mohd Shuhaily said, adding that authorities have also conducted campaigns to spread vehicle security awareness.
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How much do car insurance compensate for car theft? How long does it take?
How hard is it to make plate no. regulated & hard to duplicate? The costs are borne by car buyers too; unlike ICs. We are still using plates like it is WW1.
It will also solve problems such as plate no. not following regulations, esp. on motorbikes.
Same with making back reflectors compulsory on helmets. Stickers are cheap and the cost would easily be absorbed by helmet makers, or at minimal cost to buyers. Helmet makers can add proper plastic reflectors with designs as options too.
Last time some prominent car reviewer interviewed car thief in Malaysia. Most of them are rich kids that doing it for time pass, fun and for adrenaline. Even if they gt caught, they bribed high amounts to officers and came out easily. How high the car security system they still can override it. Every product has its loophole. To stop or reduce car theft, first we need to stop corruption among officers. When car reviewer can contact them..how come officers don’t know them?
If you buy cold card like peugeot, VW or Volvo, even leaving the keys in the vehicle, nobody will dare to steal.
You go buy Toyota, MMyvi, and Honda, you are inviting thief to steal.
I think i will stick to cold car.
EV users are safe from theft.Too high tech for uneducated thieves. Kesian ICE drivers. Lol