Car parts that are easy to detach and sell stand out as the most vulnerable to theft. Among the risk items are headlights, side mirrors, and catalytic converters, according to experts surveyed by socialbites.ca.
Headlights are often stolen from models such as Volkswagen, Land Rover, Porsche, and Audi. Mirrors are predominantly taken from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, driven by the quick removal and the high price of spare components on these popular European brands, notes a leading analyst from Ugona.net, cited by socialbites.ca. The first thefts of headlight washer jets were observed on Japanese cars, reportedly highlighting a trend toward targeting specific parts across makes.
who is at risk
Auto centers specializing in theft-prevention emphasize extra protection for headlights, particularly on models like Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche 911, Cayman, Cayenne, as well as Audi Q5 and Q7. Common measures include securing headlights with steel cables or rigid brackets, wiring them into the alarm system, and engraving the VIN on the unit so thieves will think twice about selling marked components. These steps are meant to slow down intruders who might otherwise remove elements in seconds with minimal tools, sometimes just a metal ruler sufficing for leverage.
Owners in car forums report a rise in headlight theft among more affordable vehicles, with second-generation Skoda Octavia noted as an example. To complicate quick removals, some craftsmen employ tailor-made metal plates that hinder easy access to the optics.
Volvo owners also report thefts of headlights, mirrors, and radiator grilles—issues especially linked to pre-2014 Volvo XC90 SUVs, according to Alexander Savin, co-owner of Bilprime car service. He explains that intruders can remove headlights without much effort, describing how the hood may be opened from the outside and how to lift and release two latches on certain Volvo models.
The removals typically occur in a matter of moments, and thieves often ignore alarms, cutting harnesses rather than triggering security measures. Beyond the XC90, models such as Volvo S60, S80, XC60, and XC70 are cited as being at risk due to similar front-end designs and mounting points.
Two main protective approaches are commonly adopted to deter theft: engraving the headlamp covers with the car’s VIN and using advanced metal fasteners with non-standard head bolts. Individual markings on mirrors and related components are also used. Savin notes that protecting parts takes substantially longer to remove; without protection, a thief may simply choose an unprotected vehicle as an easier target.
On some Land Rover Discovery models from the third and fourth generations, taillights are mounted with screws that can be removed with a basic Phillips screwdriver and accessed through the gap between the lamp and the tailgate. To mitigate this, service professionals and owners replace those screws with hex bolts, making swift, discreet removal far less feasible and less attractive to thieves.
Market observations show that similar parts, whether new or in excellent condition, can fetch roughly 20,000 to 30,000 rubles each on free classifieds, with lamps that show glass damage available for around 5,000 rubles. In the realm of catalytic converters, thieves’ interest hinges on the precious metals contained, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The most valuable catalysts are often found on hybrid models and German premium vehicles, according to Kurchanov from Ugon.net.
To safeguard external components, several technologies are used, such as magnetic reed switches that trigger alarms if a part is moved, microwave motion sensors for quick siren alerts when someone approaches, and mechanical protections along with careful marking and alarm systems. The cost of protection for a pair of elements is typically around 4,000 to 5,000 rubles, with sensor installation about 5,000 rubles. Some systems also include tilt sensors to guard against catalyst theft when the car is lifted, though mechanical cutting methods like a reciprocating saw still pose a threat in some cases. Authorities emphasize that a combination of these measures provides the best defense against opportunistic theft.
These insights come from industry observers and service providers who study theft patterns across popular European and premium brands, highlighting the constant tension between security investments and the evolving methods of intruders.