Car theft in Kenya takes place every other day and Insurance companies can attest to the financial burden while car owners understand too well the frustration that comes with struggling to recover a lost car.
There are features that have been marked as common in the cars reported stolen and it is only wise for car owners to be extra careful and consider avoiding these features if possible.
White
White cars have in the recent year’s ranked top amongst vehicles stolen in Kenya. This is most likely due to their ease of repainting and slow interior heating under hot conditions.
In 406 cars reported stolen to the insurers, 51 percent of the cars stolen were white followed by those whose color is Silver, black, blue and grey vehicles of cars commonly stolen. Cars whose colors is Green, red, gold, pearl, purple, orange and maroon were found to be least vulnerable to theft according to the data.
Car Brand
In the 406 cars reported stolen, 71 percent were Toyota model while the second most stolen model was Station Wagon.
Cars whose model is Isuzu, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mercedes Benz are also popular among thieves in the respective order while those of Volvo, Honda, BMW, Ford, and Hyundai models are least vulnerable to theft.
Station wagons are most vulnerable as their body types are popular among thieves going by the 2016 AKI statistics where they accounted for 46 percent of stolen cars in Kenya.
Costs Less than a Million
Cars that cost less than a million are highly prone to theft in Kenya most likely because Insurance companies weigh the cost of tracking them versus the cost of replacing which make it easier for thieves to get away with the theft.
Size
Saloon cars rank high in the list of stolen cars given their compatibility as pick-ups, vans and Lorries followed closely for the most stolen body types in the country.
Buses and trailers are least prone to theft given their bulky size which makes them very noticeable and therefore easily traceable.
Cars Parked in Nairobi
Nairobi is considered the leading county in terms of car theft which is considerably understandable given the huge number of cars in the city. 66 percent of the 406 cars reported stolen were parked in the Capital City. This is also witnessed in the loss of car spare parts.
Tips to Avoid Car Theft
To ease recovery of stolen cars and avoid falling prey to thieves, car owners are advised to;
- Include the number plate in other parts of the car that are detachable for example the side mirror.
- Ensure your car has a tracking device that actually works.
- Ensure your car horn and lights are always in good condition as they really come in handy during a carjacking.
- Avoid parking your car next to or facing the exit as it makes it easy for the thieves to escape in it. Avoid leaving your valuables exposed as this encourages and even enables thieves to evaluate your financial capability.
- Make a habit of parking in legalized spots which are controlled by security cameras and personnel
- If you notice your car missing promptly inform authorities to enhance speedy and possible recovery.
Social media has been hailed for faster and easier tracking of stolen cars as long as clear, descriptive information is timely shared. Nairobi reports a majority of the stolen vehicles most likely because of the city’s high population and motorists in the City should hence always be on the lookout.