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Even more than 10-year old cars are ok for thieves in Latvia

17 Sep 2018
All news

Even more than 10-year old cars are ok for thieves in Latvia

17 Sep 2018

The data summary of BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (BTA) and the State Police indicate that the number of car thefts in Latvia within the last year has decreased, but thieves are still attracted to cars within the age group, older than five years. Within six months, BTA has received 175 applications regarding cars stolen or damaged by thieves and paid nearly 320 thousand euros in indemnities. BTA recommends to vehicle owners selecting an appropriate CASCO insurance programme for their car, installing additional security systems and mark the parts of their car.

 

The information, collected by the staff of Department 2 of the State Police Criminal Investigation Board, indicates that the number of car thefts within the first six months of this year, compared to the first half of last year, has very slightly decreased. A total of 416 car thefts have been registered within the first six months of this year, meanwhile, there have been 428 cases within this time frame last year and most often the cars stolen were of make from 2009 through 2017. Most often car thefts occur in Riga region – 301 theft case was registered in the first half of 2018. Thieves still favour BMWs, Audis, VWs, of which cars of BMW 5 series and Audi A4 are the ones stolen most often. Thief menu also includes Toyotas, Mercedes-Benzes and vehicles of other brands.  

 

Elīna Sprudzāne, Senior Expert of the State Police Public Relations Department says: "The daily job of the State Police includes conducting preventive raids, detaining criminals and their groups involved in stealing cars. We also have to mind that thieves develop interest in newer cars. This factor, most likely, is due to market demand, as well as availability of new tools to take on car security systems. Often new cars feature the so-called Keyless system. And villains have responded by developing technologies to remotely read the codes of this security system by relay, allowing to hijack these cars. Given the number of relay thefts, the State Police suggests car owners protect their cars by installing an additional alarm. Another reminder from us is that of the availability of special wallets for keeping the entry devices of keyless entry systems. They will complicate the thief’s efforts, as the car security system code cannot be effectively read and transmitted when the keyless entry device is kept this way."

 

Ivo Danče, BTA Baltic Insurance Risks Underwriting Department Director says: “The number of cars stolen in Latvia this year has grown to hundreds, and according to the State Police statistics, it is not just new and expensive cars that attract the attention of thieves, it is also cars, older than 10 years. Thieves still “love” cars with Keyless entry systems without any additional security systems, although, we have to admit that additional security devices are present in a large proportion of cars. To avoid paying from one’s own pocket in case of a car theft, the owner should consider installing an additional security system, as well as obtain CASCO mini.”

 

SIA Autonams security experts say that car owners face not only the car itself suddenly being gone from their backyards and parking lots, they also experience disappearing parts, such as rear-view wing mirrors and headlights. “The habit of equipping newer cars with additional security systems has continued as trend also in the last year, but we keep on working with cars of one to ten years of age. They account for 96 % of all cars where these systems are being installed. Within the time frame from July of 2017 until July of 2018, inclusive, we have equipped more than 4500 cars with additional security systems. Approximately a half of clients opt for complete auto part marking, in addition to anti-theft system installation. There is also a large part opting for only side mirror ID etching, without the complete parts marking. This option is favoured by owners of cars on the side mirror theft top,” says Lauris Liepiņš, security expert at SIA Autonams.

 

 “We have developed and adapted a CASCO insurance that would address easing the pain of large losses, in case the vehicle has got stolen or perished. Those cars, which are not on lease, or with a record of many damages and indemnity cases, should seriously consider obtaining at least the CASCO mini. CASCO mini insurance package is also available to cars, older than 15 years, you can include in it the option of covering driver’s personal accident insurance, as well as roadside assistance, you may define the effective period of the policy, the covered territory, as well as set your own deductible, ” recommends I. Danče.

   

 

About BTA

BTA Baltic Insurance Company is one of the leading insurance companies in the Baltics, offering the broadest range of non-life insurance services in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. BTA employs more than 1,000 employees in the Baltics. The largest shareholder of BTA is Vienna Insurance Group AG with 200 years of experience in the insurance industry. More than 50 companies in 25 countries constitute the group, which employs 25,000 employees. Vienna Insurance Group AG is a clear leader in its core markets in Europe maintaining high rating of financial stability – Standard & Poor’s A+ (stable outlook), with a listing on the Vienna and the Prague Stock Exchange.

 

Additional information:
Elīna Rasmane
Marketing and Public Relations Department Director
BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS
e-mail: elina.rasmane@bta.lv

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