The Common Features of The Most Stolen Cars in Kenya
The market of new and reconditioned Japanese cars is huge in Kenya. However, with the growth of people’s interest in buying and selling automobiles, a black-market for stolen cars in Kenya is on the rise too.
According to the 2017 Economic Survey, the year 2016 saw a 22% increase in the motor vehicle theft rate.
The Most Stolen Cars in Kenya
Which brand is ruling the used car market in Kenya? Toyota, without any doubt! Nonetheless, such a sweeping popularity has made the Japanese brand vehicles an easy target for the thieves.
The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) has recently published a report claiming that 71% of the stolen cars in 2016 belong to that Japanese automotive manufacturer.
Most of the automobiles are stolen when they are parked somewhere outside. The thieves target Toyota because the most popular cars for sale in Kenya belong to this brand. Because of their availability, it’s easy to sell the vehicles and the spare parts.
Other manufacturers making to the list are Nissan, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, and Mercedes-Benz.
However, the owners of Ford, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, and Volvo don’t need to worry that much because the thieves are less interested in them. On the other hand, stealing a Porsche or Range Rover is highly rare.
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Let’s find out some common features of the stolen cars in Kenya:
The Color is White
According to the AKI report, almost 51% of the taken automobiles are white. The only reason could be the abundance of white motorcars in the county (approximately 80%), making it easy for the criminals to maneuver and hard for the law enforcement officers to trace.
Silver, black, blue, and gray automobiles come next to the list while the rare and exotic colors such as gold, orange, purple, red, green, and maroon are the least targeted.
Cheaper Price
If you want to protect your car in Kenya from the criminals, buy a high-end model like Ferrari, Porsche, Audi, or Lamborghini.
The data revealed by the AKI suggests that vehicles priced under 1 million KSh (Kenyan shilling) are the frequent targets. So, even if you own a Toyota, you will be relatively safer if it’s a high-end vehicle.
>> Best deals for Kenyan buyers: Toyota Prius 2011 for sale, Subaru Impreza 2011 for sale <<
The Type is Station Wagon
The AKI stats also show that nearly 46% of the stolen cars are station wagons. Other common targets are saloons, lorries, pickups, and vans.
It seems that the thieves don’t have much love for trailers and buses, possibly because of their sizes as these would be harder to hide.
The Things You Should Do
It’s already clear that lower-priced Toyota models, white vehicles, and station wagons are the favorite targets of the criminals. So, if your car ticks any of the aspects, take some cautions to save it from thieves.
You can use a tracking device and put the tracking marks or the registration number on a couple of detachable parts to increase the chance of identification.
FAQs on Stolen Cars In Kenya
1. How does technology influence car theft in Kenya?
Advanced technology has a dual role; it can both deter and facilitate car theft. Modern vehicles equipped with smart keys and immobilizers are generally harder to steal.
However, tech-savvy thieves often find ways to bypass these systems using sophisticated gadgets.
The rise in keyless entry systems has also seen an increase in relay attacks, where thieves amplify the signal from a car key inside the owner’s house to unlock and start the car remotely.
2. Are manual transmission cars less likely to be stolen than automatic ones in Kenya?
Traditionally, manual transmission cars were considered less desirable to thieves due to the higher preference for automatic vehicles in the resale market.
However, the theft trend largely depends on the specific model and its market demand rather than the type of transmission.
3. Do car color and modifications affect theft risk?
While not the primary criteria for theft, certain car colors and modifications can increase a vehicle’s attractiveness to thieves.
Flashy modifications or rare colors might make a car stand out and potentially more desirable.
However, the overall risk largely hinges on other factors such as the car model, security features, and the area where the car is typically parked.
4. Is there a correlation between car age and theft rates in Kenya?
Yes, there is a correlation. Older cars, lacking modern security features, are often easier for thieves to steal. However, newer models are also targeted for their high-value parts and demand in the illegal resale market.
The choice of target can depend on the thief’s objective, be it quick resale, dismantling for parts, or illegal export.
5. How do social media and online marketplaces impact car theft?
Social media and online marketplaces have made it easier for thieves to sell stolen vehicles quickly.
Platforms that lack stringent verification processes for sellers and listings can inadvertently facilitate the sale of stolen cars, making it imperative for buyers to exercise caution and conduct due diligence.
6. What role do parking locations play in car theft incidents?
Parking locations significantly influence the risk of car theft. Vehicles parked in poorly lit, secluded areas or places lacking surveillance are at a higher risk.
Well-lit, secure parking lots with active security measures deter thieves due to the increased risk of getting caught.
7. How effective are vehicle tracking systems in recovering stolen cars in Kenya?
Vehicle tracking systems have proven highly effective in recovering stolen cars.
These systems allow for real-time location tracking, making it possible for law enforcement to quickly locate and recover stolen vehicles!
You didn’t mention vw
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