Mazda Demio owners, please check your car is still where you left it before reading any further.
Now, check again.
Why? Well, the Demio is New Zealand’s most stolen car, according to AMI Insurance’s research.
In fact, Demios were stolen so much they have accounted for ten per cent of AMI’s insurance claims the last three years.
It’s even worse if you own a Demio in Auckland, where, unsurprisingly, over a third of all car thefts take place. The city of sails is the country’s worst area for car thefts.
Canterbury ranks second on that list, which is a surprise given this place called Hamilton exists somewhere.
Mazda doesn’t fare too strongly on the top ten theft list. Well, they do, but not for a good reason.
Behind the Demio, the Atenza comes in second, followed by the Nissan Tiida.
The Subaru Legacy pops up between the Tiida and the Mazda Familia.
The good news for Demio owners is 94 per cent of stolen models are eventually recovered. That figure likely also includes cars that aren’t exactly in a drivable condition once found.
AMI says there are several minor yet essential things Kiwi motorists can do to minimise the chance of their car being stolen.
“NZ’s vehicle fleet has a high proportion of imported, second-hand cars and many of them aren’t fitted with immobilisers,” the company says.
“If your vehicle can’t, or doesn’t have an immobiliser fitted, a steering wheel lock is also an effective and affordable option that will help deter thieves.”
Parking in driveways or on a well-lit street is also a strong deterrent.
You should also never leave a sunroof or window open.
Nor should you live in Auckland. Just saying.
AMI’s ten most stolen vehicles across New Zealand:
