According to Detective Senior Sargent, Corrie Parnell from Christchurch's Volume Crime Team (who specialise in car theft) admits, "Clearly there is a big problem, and we're working hard at putting extra resources into catching these crooks. There is no doubt that 4x4 theft as escalated in Christchurch. "
Steeling cars is not about joyriding anymore, it's a big business and a small group of highly skilled professional car thieves are cashing in.
Subaru's used to be the most stolen car in NZ. But now there is a huge increase of 4x4 theft ranging from vehicles built between 1990 – 2005. Nissans Terano's are on top of the list, closely followed by Toyota hi-lux surfs.
Sargent Parnell claims that half of all 4x4 theft in NZ happens in Canterbury and this has a lot to do with the fact that 16% of all Hi-Lux Surfs in NZ live in Christchurch due to the large farming and trade industries. He also said that due to the high amount of hi-luxs on the road and their ‘run forever’ reputation the supply and demand as gone through the roof. “Being a hi-lux fan myself, They are a hot commodity”
You can say that there are so many of these trucks on the road, but people are holding onto them. In 2007 when in bought my truck there was 100’s for sale, now there is as little as 5 surfs right across the country for less than 6K.
Sargent Parnell claims that in the last fortnight, there has been 8 4x4's stolen from Christchurch airport. 4 Nissan Terano's, 2 Mitsubishi minstrals, and 2 Toyota hi lux's. He explained that 2 years ago they used to recover 69% of all stolen vehicles, and in the last 12 months the are finding that almost 90% of stolen 4x4's are not being recovered.
He explained that just last week they miraculously found a 4x4 when the owner actually identified his own car with different plates and features. Thieves do what police refer to as a ‘rebirthing’ ie: giving a car a new identity. They remove the car's firewall and plates and replace it seamlessly with that of another 'non-stolen' vehicle for a legitimate sale. Sarget Parnell said that the recovered 4x4 for the best ‘rebirthing’ job he has seen. These crooks are polished professionals and highly organised.
The crooks take orders for specific vehicles and contact their local thieves to carry out the acquisition of the particular vehicles being sought. 4x4's being stolen from car parking buildings, outside of people's houses, and driveways.
Sargent Parnell also said that it’s got to the point where it's that slick, that if you blink you will miss it. They have the skill to steel these trucks in record time and have learned the majority don’t have immobilisers or alarms and are easy to break into due to their age.
According to http://www.offroadxpress.co.nz In Canterbury alone, 11 hi-luxs have been stolen since new years, that is 1 a week!
So what are the police doing about it?
Detective Parnell claims they are working very closely with the Christchurch Airport, Insurance companies and are investigating wreckers and parts dealers. They are putting on extra patrol around car theft hot spots, such as the Airport.
“We’re relying on the public to speak up theft and urge people to contact Crime Stoppers if they hear or see anything suspicious.“ says Sargent Parnell. “There’s a lot of people out there how no stuff and hold onto information and we ask these people to speak out”
He also explains that publicity is a very important factor in preventing this problem getting worse.
If you have a car, spend a little bit of money and time and an alarm, a steering lock and an immobiliser. A couple of deterrents could save your truck from being dissected by these slimy in-human thieves.
But as it’s been proven, if they really want your truck, they will attempt to steel it at all cost.
This is also updated and on my blog. I will keep you updated with any new information.
Please see previous thread "MISSING / STOLEN Toyota Hi-lux Surf 1992 / YJ3682" with information regarding my stolen hi-lux
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