SBD recently reported on the mixed reactions to the issue of car theft across the world; whilst some countries are trying to curb rises in the number of vehicles stolen, others see falling levels of theft as a sign that the problem is solved.  There are even differences in approach between countries to reducing vehicle theft; for example the NMVTRC in Australia continue to introduce new yearly plans to keep theft reducing, whilst in the UK the majority of stolen vehicle police squads are being disbanded.

In South Africa, vehicle theft has largely fallen over the previous ten years and theft risk has reduced by a third.  However, it remains one of the highest risk countries in the world with 140 vehicles stolen per 10,000 vehicle parc – more than four times the average for the whole of Europe.  It is therefore no surprise that vehicle theft remains in the forefront of the minds of the industry and of customers.

The issue of car theft in South Africa is very different to most other countries.  For example, where up to 80% of all new vehicles stolen in Europe are taken using the key, this method only accounts for 1% of vehicles stolen in South Africa.  Instead, up to 30% of all stolen vehicles are taken through hi-jacking; the use or threat of violence in order to take a vehicle.

It’s not just the criminals that have taken a different approach either – the market drivers for vehicle security are unique to the South African market too.  Immobiliser fitment on new vehicles has slowly been increasing for many years, but fitment of stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) systems is high (70% of all insured vehicles are fitted with SVR) and this is usually a customer choice.  This is in stark contrast to Europe, where immobiliser fitment is high due to legislation and insurance demand, whilst SVR fitment tends to be due to the condition of insurance for high-risk and high-value vehicles (less than 2% of all vehicles).

Fitment of security and of SVR in particular is therefore an emotional decision from customers in South Africa, to protect themselves and their family members against the perceived risk of hi-jacking.  This means that manufacturers and suppliers need to be aware of the customer needs and expectations for security features, even without the strong insurance or legislative demand seen in other regions.