Will parts theft from parked vehicles rise, along with stolen cars themselves, amid a looming shortage of spare components? To explore this issue, the analytical agency Avtostat collaborated with the publication Behind the Wheel to examine real-world experience. Readers were invited to share whether they had faced thefts or hijackings themselves. The following summarizes the responses received from the audience of a broad online survey.
Among respondents who reported being targeted by criminals, most incidents involved missing exterior components such as body kit pieces, bumpers, or liners. In several cases, fuel tanks were found drained by morning. Overall, about 10% of the 1,100 survey participants described losses of this kind. While not commonplace, these events demonstrate that vehicle parts can be vulnerable in some urban environments.
Other theft-related problems were comparatively uncommon, affecting 2% of respondents or fewer. The bulk of readers – more than 84% – stated they had not experienced car theft or car parts theft at all. The data highlights that while the risk exists, it is not ubiquitous across the survey group.
Konstantin Vasiliev, editor-in-chief of Behind the Wheel, reflects on personal observations and broader trends. He recalls a trip to visit a brother in Togliatti where the recommendation was to avoid leaving a car overnight in an unsupervised location. In a nearby dock area, a Land Cruiser had been dismantled overnight, with wheels, doors, interior trim, and even the front panel taken apart in a coordinated effort. The incident underscored how a well-equipped crew could operate undetected in unusually inclement weather, at least for a time. He notes such cases are rare, though; there was also a lighter anecdote about hubcaps being jostled in a TikTok-era prank, which he regards as childish rather than a serious threat.
Today, increasing numbers of entrances and public spaces feature video surveillance, and more cameras are mounted along roadways. In practice, this elevated visibility acts as a deterrent and a means of rapid identification should a theft occur. In turn, the likelihood of opportunistic theft drops when cars are under constant observation, and owners choose well-lit, monitored parking options whenever possible.
As for the anticipated spare-parts shortage, there is cautious skepticism about a sudden surge in car-theft activity. The shortage is not expected to be explosive; rather, it is likely to unfold gradually. When local inventories deplete, parallel imports are expected to fill gaps and keep the market moving. Some very specific parts for rare vehicle configurations might experience temporary scarcity, but the mass market is usually quick to adapt. In short, there is no broad panic forecast, but prudent drivers should avoid leaving vehicles unattended in poorly lit or secluded areas.
Practical steps readers can take to reduce risk have been compiled. Among them, more than a dozen cost-effective and non-standard strategies have been identified to enhance vehicle security. For those seeking further tips and discussions, Behind the Wheel is accessible through social media channels in a dedicated community forum format. The exchange of experiences and prevention ideas continues to grow, helping readers stay informed about the evolving security landscape.
Attribution: This synthesis of reader experiences and expert insight is drawn from Avtostat’s analysis and Behind the Wheel’s reporting, with contributions from the publication’s editorial team.