Dutch police vehicle theft statistics for the first half of 2023 show that the Hyundai i10 is the most stolen car in Sint Maarten. Car thieves are looking for two types of i10: the first generation i10 from 2008 and the Grand i10 which was launched in 2020.
The Hyundai Tucson is also wanted by thieves. Hyundai car owners are by far the most at risk of having their car stolen, followed by those who drive a Kia.
In the first six months of 2023, 24 Hyundai cars were stolen and eight of the Kia brand (4 Kia Picanto and 4 Kia Sportage).
Besides identifying the types of stolen vehicles, police analysis also reveals the peak times when car thefts occur most often. “Although vehicle thefts can unfortunately happen at any time, data indicates that most thefts take place between 18 p.m. and 22 p.m., 22 p.m. and 6 a.m.
KPSM (Korps Politie Sint Maarten) urges vehicle owners to exercise caution and take extra steps to protect their cars during these time slots. "By implementing security practices such as using steering wheel locks and installing car alarms, people can significantly reduce the risk of their car being stolen," said the Dutch police representative.
Out of a total of 62 stolen cars, an alarming 21 vehicles came from car rental companies. "This highlights the particular vulnerability of rental cars to theft and underscores the importance of collaboration between car rental companies and law enforcement to strengthen security measures and prevent such acts."
The KPSM Detective Department would like to emphasize the importance of reporting stolen vehicles promptly. “We urge anyone who has had their vehicle stolen to report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Reporting quickly allows our investigators to take the necessary action and increases the chances of recovering stolen vehicles.” _AF
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