JAMAICAN MOTOR vehicle shoppers may need to factor theft vulnerability into their considerations following the latest reports on theft-related motor incidents compiled for the local general insurance industry.

The report which covers the period January 2005 to December 2008 shows that car thieves have some very definite preferences in the vehicles they choose to target and the numbers are trending upwards at a phenomenal rate.

Last year, some 1,330 vehicles were stolen in Jamaica, continuing a pattern of significant annual increases in recent years.

In 2005, 441 vehicles were stolen. The figure moved up to 704 vehicles in 2006, and in 2007, some 1,075 vehicles were taken from their rightful owners.

Heading the list are Japanese makes and models such as Toyota, which recorded overall theft of 2,044 vehicles between 2005 and 2008. Of that number, the popular Toyota Corolla sedan model recorded over 1,097 incidents of theft over the same period.

other targets

Other sought-after targets of vehicle thieves were the Toyota Hiace van, 192; the Nissan Sunny sedan, 337; Honda Civic sedan, 214; Honda Accord sedan, 78; Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, 93; and the Suzuki Vitara, 78. Also attracting significant attention were models such as the Suzuki Swift car and the Toyota Rav 4 SUV. Even high-end vehicles were not completely immune with brand name vehicles such as BMW, the Mitsubishi Pajero SUV and the Toyota Prado SUV numbered among those attracting the envy of the motor vehicle thieves.

But there are some brands that seem to be relatively insulated against theft. These include Kia whose range of sedans, vans and med-sized SUVs such as the Sorento SUV, Kia Rio sedan, Sportage SUV and Carnival van recorded only four cases of theft between 2005 and 2008.

Kia dealer, Dwight Moore, suggests that car consumers need to know what the current times require in a vehicle before making their choice.

"You cannot just factor things like popularity anymore as it is the popular vehicles that are being targeted by criminals," says Moore. He also notes that Kia has consistently been among the top performers in United States and international safety standard tests and had "developed a deserving reputation for durability and have a high resale or trade-in value", which were critical factors to take into consideration in tough economic times and bearing in mind Jamaica's rugged road conditions and relatively high accident rate, he noted.

Brands such as Subaru, Peugeot, Volkswagen and models such as the Toyota Platz are also listed among those relatively immune to theft, recording minimal levels over the years.

The vulnerability of certain models to theft also impacts the pocket of the buyer such as the level of the insurance premiums charged by general insurers.

General Manager of NEM Insurance Company, Chris Hind, is clear that rising vehicle theft is a factor pushing up premium charges:

"Issues relating to the theft of some models of cars do indeed impact on the calculation of insurance premiums. It is difficult to quantify the specific impact because of the range of factors which are considered in setting insurance premiums.

These include the historical experience of the driver, that is. whether he or she has been involved in a motor-vehicle collision, the number of years he/she has been insured, and the age of the insured etc. Economic factors such as inflation also impact on the premium rate," Hind observes.

nem incentives

He adds that while the theft of these specific types of cars is a matter which concerns the company, NEM had a policy of encouraging its clients to ensure security of the vehicle. "NEM offers incentives for the use of anti-theft devices and tracking devices", he says.

Asked whether his company or the general insurance industry overall was concerned about rising car theft, Hind says that vehicle theft was seen as "a big problem that concerns all members within the industry" and he noted that the Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) has established a central anti-crime unit to coordinate the industry's response.

Flying Squad head, Supt Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford, who has a track record of success in thwarting car thieves, admits that motor-vehicle theft has been on the rise in recent years. The police categorise stolen vehicles in two areas, armed robbery of the vehicle and theft of the vehicle from a specific location such as at supermarket parking lots and even churches.

"The trend is increasing, what smart vehicle owners need to do is to take the best precautions possible, be aware of their environment when leaving or entering their vehicle and invest in security devices," says Ford.

Making a strong case for increased attention to be paid by vehicle purchasers on security is motor vehicle security expert, Michael Green, whose company, Century Wrecking, markets the Ravalco immobiliser. Green notes that with increasing car theft, vehicle buyers have to take the best precautions to ensure the safety of their property.

He opines that tracking devices which are gaining in popularity are not the best option because of Jamaica's hilly terrain which often blocks the transmission of signals: "Vehicle immobilisers which prevent the vehicle from moving are far superior. Products like mine are more effective because if properly installed they interrupt two main circuits so the vehicle can't be hotwired." He says that of the 15 known attempts on units installed locally, "all failed".

Superintendant Steve McGregor points at the chasis number of one of two cars that were found by a police operation at 24 Deanery Drive on Monday, April 3, 2006. - File

In 2007, some 1,075 vehicles were taken from their rightful owners.

Brands less immune to theft:

Kia

Subaru

Peugeot

Volkswagen

Toyota Platz

Brands more susceptible to theft:

Honda

Toyota

Mitsubishi

Nissan