It’s a new trend that is wreaking havoc in France: thieves prefer to dismantle cars in the street and in parking lots to resell their spare parts. And certain models are particularly targeted.
The theft of automobile parts is becoming an increasingly worrying problem in France, particularly in large cities. These acts are not limited to sensitive neighborhoods or poorly monitored areas, they affect cars parked in private parking lots as well as on busy streets. Contrary to what one might think, thieves no longer seek to steal the entire car, but prefer to concentrate on certain much more lucrative parts. Headlights, bumpers, mirrors, and even complete wheels are targeted because they are easy to dismantle and sell quickly on the black market.
This trend emerged after the Covid-19 crisis, a period during which demand for spare parts exploded due to shortages in the sector. Manufacturers are struggling to meet needs, and some motorists do not hesitate to turn to parallel networks to obtain components, at much more affordable prices and above all without waiting weeks or even months. It is on this market that thieves find their profit: the stolen parts are resold discreetly, sometimes to unscrupulous mechanics or even directly to individuals via encrypted messaging services such as Telegram, which serve as real black market places.
The vehicles most targeted by these criminal networks are not chosen at random. Popular models, particularly those manufactured by French manufacturers, are the most affected. Thus, the Renault Clio V, which was the best-selling car in 2023, is at the top of the list. The model is so coveted that certain parts, such as the optics or the covers, can bring several hundred euros to thieves in just a few minutes. The Peugeot 208 and 2008 as well as the Citroën C3, other best-sellers, are also regular targets. These cars, spread throughout the country, guarantee criminals a quick and easy resale of stolen parts.
Luxury vehicles are not spared either, quite the contrary. German brands such as BMW or Mercedes are of particular interest to thieves, who know that parts for these models are expensive and highly sought after. The phenomenon can even go as far as theft to order, where customers who are not careful about the origin of the parts place specific orders that the criminals rush to satisfy by dismantling the targeted cars.
Faced with this increase in theft, car owners often find themselves helpless. Some choose to no longer park in town or opt for paid and secure parking lots. This phenomenon creates a real feeling of insecurity among motorists, who fear finding their car dismembered each time they park. Although solutions exist, such as marking parts to deter thieves, it appears that the problem is unlikely to go away, as long as the demand for second-hand spare parts remains high.