by A New Target for Thieves
If previously thieves often cut out catalytic converters, stole expensive radar units, or even headlights, a new target has now emerged in the Netherlands. Criminals have begun mass theft of side mirrors from premium cars for subsequent sale on the black market.
The Problem in Amsterdam
Mirror theft is not an entirely new phenomenon, but recently this problem has become particularly acute in Amsterdam’s affluent districts. In these neighborhoods, garages are a rare luxury, so vehicle owners often have to leave their expensive cars right on the street, making them easy prey for thieves.
Depending on the car model, a pair of mirrors can easily cost over $2000, and they can be removed with minimal effort. In response, more and more Amsterdam residents have begun installing special lockable mirror covers on their vehicles.
Protective Covers as a Solution
A recent Instagram clip posted by user Exploreamsterdamwithme shows several luxury cars equipped with such protective devices. They are typically made of durable Kevlar fabric and steel mesh and feature a lock that wraps around the mirror, significantly complicating theft, even in broad daylight.
Such protective covers can be easily found online. For example, various options for different car models are offered on Amazon in the US. Prices vary significantly: from less than $100 to over $200 depending on the design, such as a $180 model from ProKevLock.
Technology as a Cause of Thefts
The Instagram page shows cars like the Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX, Range Rover Sport, and several Porsches equipped with protective covers.
Among the cars shown in the video are a Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX, Range Rover Sport, and several Porsches. Modern car mirrors have become much more complex than before: they are often equipped with cameras and sensors for blind-spot monitoring and parking systems, making them even more valuable.
History of the Problem
The first reports of car mirror thefts appeared as early as the beginning of 2019. Back then, it was a new trend in New York City, where over a dozen vehicles were affected in two months. Among the thieves’ targets were Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW models.
For those who don’t want to spend money on expensive protective covers, there is the option to make them yourself. Although, presumably, if a person can afford a premium-class car, they won’t mind the extra cost to protect its expensive components.
This situation vividly illustrates how technological progress in the automotive industry creates new security challenges. High-tech components designed to enhance driver comfort and safety themselves become objects of criminal interest. Demand in the spare parts market, especially for premium brands, fuels this wave of thefts, turning ordinary, at first glance, body elements into valuable goods. At the same time, the reaction of car owners—from DIY solutions to specialized commercial products—shows the market’s rapid adaptation to new threats. It also points to a more general problem of urban infrastructure, where the lack of secure parking spaces in historic city centers forces people to seek unconventional ways to protect their property.
