Theft query

[i_a_n]

Hi there, great forum, first post.

I currently have a mk4 gti (the slow one), and I am thinking about getting a mk5 gti. However, after trawling through some of the forums I've scared myself reading about all the thefts that seem to occur involving some scum breaking into houses to steal the keys while the owners are asleep upstairs etc. Are these just isolated incidents or quite a common occurance? I'm sure I read one post where someone said that they didnt know anyone with a gti that haddn't had either their car stolen from their home or at least an attempted break in.  I hope this doesn't sound like a daft question but I have young kids in the house, and I has put me off buying a gti if they are that desireable to the scum.

Cheers Ian

[GrizzlyUK]

I'd really not worry about it. These sort of thefts occur mostly because the owner hasn't taken the proper precautions to secure windows and doors.

[monte]

Welcome Ian, Like Grizzly said, yes they are a desirable car, but I wouldn't worry yourself about it too much. (Unless you park on the street in a High Risk area) 

This forum has been going a few years now and has over 5000 registered members. To the best of my memory (which TBH isn't that good)  .....I am sure I could count the number of reported thefts on one or both hands. 

[MC71]

Welcome along. 

People are scaring you for no good reason buddy. Your future car (hopefully) is a lovely car but not high on the "stolen to order" list. Like most thefts, which include cars, it's more than likely an opportunist crime, a window open etc or peeps who burglary houses and nick the keys while they're there. There will always be a car stolen for what it is but as guys say above its nothing to worry about or to stop you getting a Mk5.

Happy car hunting.

 

[i_a_n]

Many thanks for the replies,

I guess that is the danger of the internet, you can read a bit too much into things, but your replies have put me a bit more ease. So much so that I went to have a look at a gti today, but it had some damage so I'll keep looking.

Cheers Ian

[f1fan]

I guess you have to putti into context.  Where do you live? What cars do your neighbours drive? How many local crimes are there on the police website?  I worried a bit when I bought mine, but I keep the house secure, hide the keys away, and if someone really wants to take it then so be it, it's just a car, if you give in to the potential threat you'll never own anything nice.

[i_a_n]

Good post mate.

My area is ok and some of my neighbours have new BMWs Mercs and thinking about it the bloke round the corner has a couple of Porches (sp?). So i don't suppose a gti would be the most desirable in the street lol.

Just seen the post about the attempted break in in Liverpool lol.

Ian

[davoaj]

Just to provide some balance to this thread mate, they are a popular car to be targeted and as for it only happening to owners who have failed to take proper precautions to secure their house, that's just rubbish.

I speak from experience, and just don't think the merits of the GTi justify the risk of bringing people to your home.

That said, I imagine the threat varies depending on where you live in the country.

[Scrubadub]

How good is the security of a mk5 gti? i take it they have alarm/immobliser and interior sensors?

[davoaj]

Useless when the criminals have the key in their hands.

[Scrubadub]

Fair play, Car theft in my area is non existent but id like to be assured that if someone attempted to smash a window or similar it would warn them off?

[davoaj]

Yeah, you'd be fine mate. The Mk5's are fully alarmed and immobilised.

Need the key to take them, which presents issues for those of us living in close proximity to our country's less desirable areas/people.

[Kalpsn2000]

Many thanks for the replies,

I guess that is the danger of the internet, you can read a bit too much into things, but your replies have put me a bit more ease. So much so that I went to have a look at a gti today, but it had some damage so I'll keep looking.

Cheers Ian

Yes this is easily done. If you think about it, people are more likely to write about a bad experience than good. I wouldn’t go around posting that my car is still safe and sound on my drive.

I guess you have to putti into context.  Where do you live? What cars do your neighbours drive? How many local crimes are there on the police website?  I worried a bit when I bought mine, but I keep the house secure, hide the keys away, and if someone really wants to take it then so be it, it's just a car, if you give in to the potential threat you'll never own anything nice.

Exactly There’s always a risk to owning nice things, but don’t let that stop you.

[TIGER-UPPERCUT]

Hi there, great forum, first post.

I currently have a mk4 gti (the slow one), and I am thinking about getting a mk5 gti. However, after trawling through some of the forums I've scared myself reading about all the thefts that seem to occur involving some scum breaking into houses to steal the keys while the owners are asleep upstairs etc. Are these just isolated incidents or quite a common occurance? I'm sure I read one post where someone said that they didnt know anyone with a gti that haddn't had either their car stolen from their home or at least an attempted break in.  I hope this doesn't sound like a daft question but I have young kids in the house, and I has put me off buying a gti if they are that desireable to the scum.

Cheers Ian

Hi Ian,

Mines parked on the street in Manchester had no bother, got a disc lock on it and standard alarm.

I'm not sure how desirable a 06 GTI is these days, I cant imagine someone specifically robbing my house to get the keys for it.

Although I wouldn't park an 8P S3 outside as they are a hot target.

[SRC]

You can use this website to see what crimes are happening in your area (or the scuzzy area down the road ):
http://www.police.uk/

Never leave your keys in view of any window, and always own the second most stealable car in your street!