Home / Crime and Justice / VW Grilles Targeted: Radar Sensors Stolen in London
VW Grilles Targeted: Radar Sensors Stolen in London
13 Aug
Summary
- VW car badges, containing radar sensors, are stolen in London.
- Replacement costs can range from £1,500 to £3,000.
- Around 70 thefts occurred in southeast London over four days.
A wave of thefts targeting Volkswagen car badges has emerged in London, with criminals specifically seeking the expensive radar sensors concealed behind the front grilles. These sensors are crucial for advanced driver-assistance systems like radar-based cruise control. Victims have reported replacement costs for these parts ranging from £1,500 to £3,000.
Recently, a spree in southeast London saw around 70 Volkswagen badges stolen over a four-day period, with one victim noting the entire theft took less than five seconds and caused nearly £2,000 in damage. Police are investigating and have confirmed approximately 70 such incidents in the area. While Volkswagen states this is a localized issue primarily affecting London, isolated cases have been reported elsewhere in the UK.
This trend underscores a broader issue of vehicle technology becoming a prime target for thieves. Similar incidents have occurred, such as Porsche owners in London having high-tech headlights stolen. To combat this, newer Volkswagen models have redesigned sensors located separately from the badge.
