Police in Bergslagen have noted an increase in thefts of steering wheels from BMW cars, particularly in Örebro län, according to police. In Värmland, a gang is stealing steering wheels with airbags from BMWs in Degerfors and Karlskoga, part of an ongoing wave of car part thefts in the region, police said. Over 50 reports of stolen side mirrors have been filed in recent weeks, with the mirror glass—which contains expensive electronics—being the targeted part, according to police press spokesperson Mats Eriksson.
Thefts of high-voltage batteries from hybrid cars have also been reported in the Borås and Gothenburg area, with seven reports filed on a single Saturday, mainly involving Toyota vehicles, said Christian Brattgård, another police press spokesperson. The thieves seem to target Toyota, Brattgård added. Airbags, rims, steering wheels, and entire instrument panels are among the car parts attractive to thieves, officials say.
In Greater Stockholm, police have warned BMW owners to park thoughtfully and preferably in a garage, as the northern parts, especially Täby and Danderyd, have been particularly affected. The thefts occur at night, but there are reports of people scouting during the day. It is likely an international theft gang that operates for a short time in a concentrated area before moving to the next country, Eriksson said.
Gangs often target specific car parts like airbags, electronics, GPS, and steering wheels, especially from premium cars. According to TV4 Nyheterna, Eriksson described never having experienced gangs targeting side mirrors before. It is likely a gang, as the thefts require knowledge and ability, Brattgård said regarding the hybrid battery thefts.
Meanwhile, a gang breaking into mechanic workshops for hard metal may be moving north in Sweden, police said. Several cases of break-ins and thefts in mechanic workshops have been reported in other parts of Sweden recently, with thieves after cutting tools, drills, scrap metal, bronze, and brass. Hard metal quickly accumulates high value, and previous incidents indicate organized international crime, police noted.
There are indications the gang is heading toward northern Sweden. In Stockholm, bicycle pirates are active on Kungsholmen, stealing bags from cyclists. Police warn the public about bicycle bag thefts, which occur at the city hall and on Norr Mälarstrand.
The perpetrator or perpetrators cycle up behind and snatch the bag from the carrier or basket, said community police officer Ola Åkesson. There were about 20 cases from September to November, and 7 thefts with a similar method in April and May. Police suspect the bicycle thefts are systematic due to the same geographic area and method.
In several cases, the victim did not notice the theft until after arriving at their destination. In three cases, the victim noted the perpetrator or perpetrators. One victim had his bag snatched while standing still with his bike at Stadshusparken; he chased the thieves, got the bag back but the iPad was gone, Åkesson said.
To avoid theft, park the car in a well-lit place or in a garage. Check that the car is actually locked before leaving it to avoid being exposed to a jammer. Store car keys in a safe place, not right by the front door or in a jacket pocket.
For keyless systems, store keys in a specially lined key case or in a metal box to prevent relay attacks. Supplement the car with an approved steering wheel lock that covers the airbag; even cars with keyless systems can use one to prevent driving after electronic key copying. Ensure the car is locked and alarmed; if you have an app for your car, pay attention to error messages about the car being unlocked or a door open.
Police advise hybrid car owners to be extra vigilant, ensure the car is locked, and park in a garage or well-lit area, Brattgård said. Police also advise not to store handbags or computer bags on the back of the bike, Åkesson added. Four people were arrested on Tuesday evening for side mirror thefts, identified with help from surveillance camera images.
The arrests occurred in Sigtuna municipality, and some stolen goods were secured. Police are seeking witness information, especially from Stocksund on the night of March 11-12 and Ella Park in Täby on the night of March 15-16. BMW owners should park carefully, preferably in a garage, to make it harder for thieves, Eriksson said.
Many reports have come in during the day concerning especially Toyota cars but also other hybrid cars in areas around Göteborg and Borås. Police warn hybrid car owners in the entire police region West. Always call 112 if crimes are in progress.
se. se. The total number of thefts across all regions and the number of perpetrators involved remain unclear.
It is not known whether the various theft waves are connected to the same organized groups, or if any of the arrested individuals have been linked to international crime networks. The estimated value of the stolen goods and the impact on insurance claims have not been confirmed, and there may be specific safety risks associated with the theft of high-voltage hybrid batteries.