The nation's most stolen cars revealed. Photo / 123rf
The nation's most stolen cars revealed. Photo / 123rf
While the Toyota Aqua may be the car most stolen nationwide for a second year running, in Northland thieves clearly have a different taste.
According to AMI Insurance, they prefer the Nissan Tiida. As do car thieves in Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, and Nelson.
The insurance company reportedalmost 17,000 vehicle theft claims nationally last year, which they said was the second highest year for vehicle theft over the past five years.
Wayne Tippet, AMI executive general manager of claims, was concerned to see another year of elevated claims.
“We are seeing a consistent similarity in the price of commonly stolen vehicles too, usually no more than $5000 in value. These seemingly cost-friendly cars are typically 10 years or older.”
The Nissan Tiida, pictured, is the car most stolen in Northland, according to AMI Insurance. Photo / Supplied
In a slither of, perhaps, good news, the Mazda Demio, historically regarded as the car most stolen, has slipped down the ranks and is now the fourth most taken car nationwide.
But there is bad news for Toyota Corolla car owners. Those vehicles have climbed from the nation’s eighth most stolen car to the third.
Tippet said comparing AMI’s year-to-year data regarding new car theft claims indicated thieves are still looking for quick take cars. These were vehicles lacking advanced security features, such as keyless ignitions, immobilisers, or alarms.
He encouraged people to park cars in driveways behind locked gates if possible or if having to opt for street parking, to choose well-lit areas.
“Steering locks still remain a cost-friendly security measure and effective deterrent for thieves, Tippet said.
