What is the Most Stolen Car in New Zealand?

Do you know what the most stolen car in New Zealand is? Knowing which cars are most often targeted and how to protect your vehicle can keep you vigilant and proactive. As a vehicle owner, you must be proactive in-car security. Simple actions such as parking in well-lit areas, keeping your vehicle locked at all times, or using additional safety devices could prevent thefts from occurring. Understanding which cars are most at risk can help you take steps targeted towards your vehicle’s weak points.

This article explores New Zealand’s most stolen cars, how to protect yours from being stolen as well as what to do in the unlikely event that you find yourself dealing with the effects of car theft. By staying updated and prepared for such occurrences, you’ll mitigate your risks and better handle things. Keep reading to discover how to protect your car and find peace of mind despite the threat of car theft.

Most Stolen Car in New Zealand

In New Zealand, some makes and models are reportedly stolen more than others. They are often older models that don’t have modern anti-theft technology, making for easier targets for thieves. They’re popular targets because their parts are in demand, and they are relatively easy to break into.

Older Japanese imports have been popular targets among these. Cars made before the 2000s often lacked modern immobilizers and advanced alarm systems, making them ideal targets. For instance, the Mazda Demio and Subaru Legacy are often in the cross-hairs as they are common vehicles from make models that have a particularly high second-hand parts demand.

Moreover, popular utility vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux are particularly attractive to thieves, given their strong resale in the black market or used for illegal activities. Understanding which cars are most at risk can help owners take proactive measures to secure their vehicles and minimize the likelihood of theft.

The most frequently stolen cars in New Zealand in 2024 are:

Tips to Protect Your Car

Here are a few practical tips to protect your car from theft:

1. Install an Immobilizer or Alarm System: These modern devices make it way more difficult for thieves to get your vehicle to start or gain access to it. And many insurance companies provide discounts for cars with such devices.
2. Visit Safe Places: Always park your vehicle in well-lit, safe areas. Whenever you can, use garages, secured parking lots, or areas with CCTV cameras.
3. Steering Wheel Lock – This device is a visible deterrent to thieves, as it will take extra time to go around the mechanism and make your car a less enticing target.
4. Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight: Portables such as wallets, phones, and electronics can lure thieves of opportunity. Remove your belongings from sight or take them with you when you leave the car.
5. Lock Your Car and Close Windows: This may be obvious, but people often forget to lock their cars or leave windows ajar, leading to thefts.
6. Etch Your VIN on Windows: Inscribing your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on its windows can inhibit thieves because it makes the car more difficult to sell or camouflage.
7. Invest In GPS Tracking: A GPS tracking system can track your car if it gets stolen. Most contemporary tracking devices are subtle and simple to put in place.

Taking these precautions makes it much less likely that thieves will target your car. It is always better to prevent than to confront a stolen vehicle.

What to Do if Your Car is Stolen

Having your car stolen can be a stressful, overwhelming experience. However, by knowing what to do in these situations you can respond quickly and increase your odds of getting your vehicle back.

1. Stay Calm and Verify: The first thing you should do is to confirm if your car has not been towed or misplaced. Look at nearby places or ask the authorities locally to make sure it’s really stolen.
2. Report to the Police: Reach out to your local police department right away to file a report. Be sure to include all relevant information, including the vehicle’s make and model, color, license plate number, and any distinguishing features. This police report is critical for additional steps, including filing insurance claims.”
3. Report the Theft to Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the theft. Often, policies require prompt reporting to be covered. Have your insurance policy number and the police report number ready.
4. Use GPS Tracking: If you have a GPS tracker in your car, notify the police and your insurer. Provide access to tracking data to help find the vehicle.
5. Check Online Listings: Occasionally, stolen cars are listed online for sale. Keep an eye on Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace and notify the police if you see anything suspicious.
6. Report To NZTA: Report the theft/robbery to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). This makes sure the vehicle is marked in the system, preventing fraudulent sales or registrations.

Taking immediate action and following these steps help increase the possibility that your vehicle will be recovered and minimizing any potential losses. So, while car theft is a bummer, be proactive and prepared. A timely response coupled with the suggested action items and continued vigilance won’t guarantee the return of a stolen vehicle but it will reduce the lasting impact from the experience. Securing your vehicle is not a one-time task, but with a few simple tips, you can gain valuable peace of mind.