Vauxhall Owners Keep Getting Their Cars Cannibalised By Criminals

Imagine waking up one morning and heading outside to your car, only to find that half of it is missing. This is something that’s happened to a huge number of Vauxhall owners in and around Bedfordshire (my home county, as it happens), with 500 reports of bits from Astras and Corsas going missing recorded since April 2013.

According to a report by BBC’s Crimewatch, the thefts have gained momentum lately, with five to 10 cases reported each week since April this year. It’s suspected a “large and organised criminal network” is responsible, owing to the sheer number of occurrences.

Most thefts have occurred in residential areas in the early hours of the morning, and it’s usually body parts like bumpers and bonnets that are targeted. Since these are the parts which tend to need replacing in accidents, it’s likely they’re being sold on to unsuspecting punters hoping to save money on repair jobs.

The reason why it’s only Vauxhalls being targeted could be linked to the fact that Vauxhall’s HQ is located in the Bedfordshire town of Luton. Locals tend to be loyal to the brand when it comes to car buying habits, so there are plenty of the cars to choose from, and it’s presumably easier for the criminals to focus on one particular marque.

So, if you’re wanting to repair a nearly new Astra or Corsa and see some parts going cheap, proceed with caution…