When both the SAPS and the country’s insurers are reluctant to provide information on vehicles that are stolen in South Africa, it’s difficult to make a solid choice when buying a car – as that factor is sure to weigh in.

Instead, we are provided a list put together by two sources: one from five years ago and another from the beginning of 2015. This is what Car Info published in September last year:

1. Toyota Hi-ace
2. Nissan 1400
3. Toyota Hilux
4. Toyota Venture
5. Toyota Corolla
6. Toyota Fortuner

But now, an auto industry expert insists that the VW Polo would also be included in the list.

While Crime Stats SA reports that 56,616 vehicles were stolen in South Africa in 2014, taking the total to 810,785 since 2004, Datadot estimates the number of stolen vehicles in the country at 1.6 million.

The industry source placed these three cars as the most stolen models in South Africa:

• Toyota Hilux
• Toyota Fortuner
• VW Polo

Business Tech provides some background information on the cars:

The Hilux was the best selling vehicle in South Africa in 2015, selling just shy of 37,000 units, while the VW Polo Vivo Hatch and VW Polo hatch were third and forth on the list behind the Ford Ranger, with a combined total of more than 47,000 sales.

The Fortuner is also among the more popular cars in South Africa, and is believed to be popular as a feeder for parts for the mini-bus taxi industry.

But how are the cars distributed when they are stolen?

The Automobile Association (AA) said that the motor vehicle market accounts for the disposal of approximately 50% of stolen and hijacked vehicles.

Other stolen vehicles may be disposed of through exportation to other countries, 30%, and the remaining 20% going to the second-hand parts market.

Older vehicles between seven and 21 years old are at higher risk of theft while vehicles between one and four years are at the highest risk of robbery.

Mini buses top the ratings for cars that are targeted for theft or robbery, with sedans being the most frequent target for criminals. Entry level and cheaper vehicles were also found to be high risk, as well as vehicles with a high market volume.

[source: businesstech]