9:27 am, June 16, 2011
THE builder’s favourite load lugger, the humble Ford Transit van, is top of the car thieves’ most-wanted list.
A survey by the ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) says the dependable motor was the most stolen vehicle in the first quarter of 2011, proving it’s “not just owners of high-end vehicles who need to be worried”.
AVCIS, a joint agency that advises police forces on car crime, says the Transit is a prime target because its spare parts are worth a lot on the black market and because it’s worth a lot as scrap metal.
‘The lure of potential tools and other contents stored in the back make it irresistible for thieves,’ said a spokesman.
Cars feature heavily in the top 10 too. In second place on the most-stolen list is the Vauxhall Astra, in third the Ford Fiesta, followed by the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series and Ford Focus. Another van, the Mercedes Sprinter, comes in eighth and the Ford Mondeo and Honda Civic round up the top 10.
‘Vehicles appearing in the list may surprise motorists,’ said detective chief inspector Mark Hooper, head of AVCIS. ‘Although high-end cars are stolen to order by criminals, those driving more affordable vehicles should not be complacent. Whatever vehicle you drive, security should always be a priority.’
