Car side mirror thefts rise in Amsterdam: protection tips and costs

Learn about the surge in side mirror thefts in Amsterdam, targeting premium and electric cars, with costs up to $3,000 and simple protective measures.
Amsterdam is seeing a rise in thefts of side mirrors from modern cars, particularly premium and electric vehicles. Each part can cost between $800 and $3,000, and it takes less than two minutes to remove one. In response, owners are turning to simple protective measures, from covers to locks.A New Target for Car ThievesModern mirrors have evolved into complex electronic modules with cameras, blind-spot sensors, heating, and electric motors. This makes them a lucrative target: they’re compact, easy to remove, and quick to sell.The main market for these stolen parts is through gray channels and unofficial repair shops, where they’re sold at lower prices than genuine replacements. Police are currently struggling to keep up with the scale of the problem.An Expensive and Vulnerable ComponentOn models like the Tesla Model 3 or BMW 5 Series, replacing a mirror can cost over $1,500, while larger SUVs might see bills exceeding $3,000. Despite this, the design remains relatively simple to dismantle, which makes them an attractive target for thieves.Thieves use basic tools and work quickly, minimizing the risk of being caught.A New Reality for Car OwnersThe issue is spreading beyond Amsterdam, with similar cases reported in other European countries. Owners are now forced to seek protection, ranging from simple lockable covers to specialized solutions costing around $180.This mirror theft trend highlights a new phase in car crime: instead of targeting major components, thieves are focusing on expensive electronic parts. For owners, this means they need to consider additional security for even seemingly simple car elements.