Drivers are being targeted by “car cannibals” who are stealing cruise control sensors from vehicles in seconds. The sensors, often located behind a car’s badge, are being ripped from vehicles in what appears to be a growing trend in the UK, with some drivers claiming it is due to a “design flaw” by manufacturers.
Stolen sensors are being resold on online marketplaces for as little as £200, while the cost to the owner to replace the component can be up to £1,500. Some owners have been quoted as high as £3,546 to fit a new one. Furious motorists, primarily with Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes vehicles, are choosing not to replace the parts, instead driving with warning lights on their dashboards.
In response, some drivers have started petitions calling for manufacturers to address the issue. However, carmakers are disputing the claims of a design flaw. A spokesperson for Volkswagen UK stated that the company does not believe there is a “design flaw” and that the thefts appear to be “highly localised.” They advise customers to report the theft to the police with their vehicle’s VIN number, which can be used to lock the part and render it worthless on the black market.
A spokesperson for BMW UK said the company’s security teams are continuously working to enhance vehicle security systems. Likewise, Mercedes-Benz stated that their “highly complex and safety-critical sensors” are permanently integrated into specific components.
Source: Daily Mail