[imagesource: Volkswagen]

The literal translation of ‘Volkswagen’ is ‘the people’s car’, which has a bit of a dark history but has taken on a new meaning today.

With the exception of that unfortunate incident in 2019.

Oh, and that other thing that happened in 2020.

Anyway, despite all of this, everyone loves a VW, and the Polo and Polo Vivo are particular favourites.

If you drive one, you’ve probably found yourself in a spontaneous convoy with a few others while on the highway.

It’s either a magical moment or a glitch in the matrix. Either way, it speaks to the popularity of the car.

This popularity is both a blessing and a curse, especially when your VW badge goes missing.

It happens often enough that Wheels24 tracked down someone with experience in the illegal trade of VW badges to find out more.

“A lot of people have Polos, and I made money from motorists that needed badges for their own vehicles. I had to make a living so I sold it for R100 or whatever the people have on them. I had to look after myself so stealing badges was easy.”

Stealing a badge usually takes around 10 seconds, but can take longer if the driver has reinforced it. There are apparently clips on the inside of the badge that loosen, making it easier to pull off.

“I would go to open parking lots at shopping malls where security guards can’t see me well. I know there will be plenty of Polos there so I can choose.”

It’s not just badges being nicked. Myriad social media posts have also shown higher-end models like the GTI or R-Line with their headlights removed.

NO VEHICLE, NOT EVEN THAT OF THE POLICE, IS SAFE FROM HEAD LIGHT THIEVES : JHB. GP. HEADLIGHTS BEING STOLEN AT AN ALARMING RATE. VW POLO & GTi. pic.twitter.com/nPln4p0OZG

— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) November 20, 2019

Headlights and badges appear to have a somewhat lucrative resale market, and can set you back as much as R850 at a dealership, so don’t be too surprised if yours goes missing.

Those images above may come from Jozi, but reports suggest that badge theft is also very popular in Cape Town.

[source:wheels24]