Elite brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes are all targets for car attacks according to vehicle protection company AX. The luxurious models are then sold on for just a small fraction of their value as criminals get desperate to hide evidence.
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It means vehicles costing up to £100,000 can sometimes be stolen from driveways and re-sold for just £1,000.
According to AX, stolen models are sold to a close group of associates who export vehicles or dismantle them to sell as parts.
The popular Audi A1 can be sold on the black market for just £1,000 while the stunning £100,000 Land Rover Range Rover will likely go for £2,000.
The stunning Mercedes AMG has a retail price of £36,000 but will go for sale on the black market for a maximum of £3,000.
BMW’s popular 3-Series is valued at over £30,000 but criminals will flog the machine for just £1,500.
AX Director of Services, Neil Thomas said: The list is quite shocking, despite my 30 years working in the police force. We know how the criminals operate but, with the UK theft figures in mind, it’s a sharp reminder of the problem car owners and the industry faces.
“Rather than the cars that are stolen most in the UK, this list represents the criminals’ wish list of preferred targets.
“A typical, current Ford Fiesta, for example, would change hands for little more than £200.”
Home Office figures reveal the number of vehicles stolen across the UK has almost doubled in the past five years.
The data revealed 111,999 vehicles were stolen in 2017/18 compared to just over 75,999 between 2013/14.
The figures highlight a 39 percent rise in car thefts in data which translates similarly to a recent analysis from Direct Line.
The insurance group found 14,300 prestigious cars were stolen in the UK between January and October in a figure up 117 percent on just 6,600 claims last year.
Criminals have used technology to develop sophisticated methods to steal cars without needing access to a vehicle’s key.
Small gadgets can copy vehicle code and unlock cars remotely within just seconds promoting warnings over the dangers of keyless car thefts to motorists.
AX Director of Services, Neil Thomas said: “Business and private owners alike are affected by the increase in thefts, so it’s paramount to take precautions to avoid being targeted, or ensure vehicles have robust covert technology so that they can be recovered.
“Most tracking devices are simply removed after being stolen.”
AX recently revealed criminals use WhatsApp to plan car thefts and target the best cars on the market to steal.
The social media platform has a special encrypted messaging system criminals exploit to hold secret conversations.
These criminals also targeted high-end luxury cars such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes instead of ordinary road vehicles.
The criminals then used the app to discuss how to install fake number plates on the cars to resell for a larger price.
Recovered vehicles included a Mercedes C class and a Range Rover vehicle worth over £100,000.
Neil Thomas added: “The sheer volume of thefts is practically a car theft epidemic and is enabling criminals to purchase costly technology which then fuels even more car crime.”
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