In recent times, a troubling trend has reared its head across several cities and towns in Ghana – theft associated with the Hyundai Elantra cars. If you’ve paid attention to social media, police reports and beer parlour talks, you would have taken note of the phrase “they’ve stolen my Elantra”.
From Accra to Kumasi to Takoradi and other urban areas countrywide, the incidence of theft keeps increasing with most victims being the owners of The most affected are owners of the 2012 to 2017 Elantra models. Why are these specific cars being targeted so much?
One reason that has made these cars the targets of theft is that they do not have the security features that you will find in the newer models. These modern security features include push-to-start systems, digital keys, or immobilizers that stop the car from starting without the correct key.
The 2012 to 2017 Elantras are built with much simpler security features making it easy for technology making it easy for experienced thieves to use basic tools – the kind you can find in many local hardware shops to start the car and move it in just a few minutes. In some of the reported cases, there was no broken glass, no car alarm, nothing – the car just vanished.
What makes the situation even worse is how popular the Elantra is in Ghana. It is affordable, looks good, runs smoothly, fuel consumption is low and parts are affordable and accessible. This makes it the go-to ride for ride-hailing drivers and young professionals. But with popularity comes vulnerability. The more of these cars are on the road, the more valuable they become to criminals who know there’s a market for the parts or even the whole stolen vehicle.
You might wonder what exactly happens after a car is stolen. In most cases, the car is either quickly stripped down and sold in parts, which costs a fortune since original Hyundai parts are expensive or it’s given a false identity. Some car thieves can change the chassis number and register the car with fake documents. They then sell it to unsuspecting buyers who think they’re getting a good deal. In other cases, the stolen Elantras are used to perpetuate criminal activities because they blend in so well that no one suspects anything unusual about a silver or black Elantra speeding past. The impact of this trend is huge.
This issue has left many car owners living in fear. Some have even stopped using their Elantras, afraid they might wake up to an empty parking space. A few have opted to sell their cars quickly, just to avoid the risk of losing them without compensation. With car insurance companies sometimes refusing to pay out claims in cases where ‘proper security’ wasn’t in place, many are left with nothing but regret.
If you drive a Hyundai Elantra, especially from model years 2012 to 2017, it is strongly advised that you take immediate steps to secure it and avoid becoming a victim. Invest in additional security measures such as a steering wheel lock or a pedal lock. Install a GPS tracker so that if your car is stolen, it can be traced. Always park in well-lit areas, preferably those equipped with CCTV or security guards, and be extra cautious about who has access to your keys. Additionally, be mindful of what you share and display on social media.
It is also evident that Ghana, as a country, needs to improve its systems. Stricter laws and harsher punishments for car thieves are necessary, and the police require more resources to effectively investigate and apprehend these criminals. Car registration processes must also be strengthened to prevent stolen vehicles from being easily resold. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns on vehicle safety should be conducted regularly, rather than only when theft cases spiral out of control.
