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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: sandsy on 06 February 2019, 22:05

Title: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 06 February 2019, 22:05
 :sick:

I have been lurking here for a while and have loved my 15 month old GTI performance pack. But my house got broken into and car keys stolen and cleared off with my car on Monday morning. Its still pretty raw and don't want to go into too much details as police still investigating. The thing that gets me the most is that I need to pay house insurance excess / car insurance excess, pay to retain my pvt plate. Likely to get shafted on insurance going forward and who knows how pay out from insurance company works.... All in all not a good week...

Anyway back to main point - yesterday I didn't even think i wanted a "good" car again but today thinking why should they stop me having something i enjoy. So my spec was 67 plate, DSG, just under 10k miles, dynaudio, heated windscreen, reversing camera, tinted windows, 19" brescias - think that's it all. Was 3 door but would consider 5.

Been looking on auto trader and hard to find the full package - esp dynaudio and camera. Anyone seen a similar spec / looking to sell in near future. I probably need to tidy garage, get it alarmed, and sort insurance so no idea when i will be in place to get back on GTI boat lol. Just feel like a little of my soul has gone after this theft. First time anything like this has happened to me

Driving wife's car now and feel like clutch / gears and handbrake just seems such hard work. Also anyone with same terrible experience let me know how you got on with insurance and any tips  / info
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: DougUK on 06 February 2019, 22:10
Hey Sandsy, really sorry to hear this news - I'm only a few miles along the road from you and I have heard 4 different reports of RS3s and S3s going this week.  All targeted and not a great deal you can do when someone is willing to enter your house for the keys.

Chin up and think about heading to Western this weekend - VIP event.  I talked to one of the guys there during the week and they have 4 GTIs going out on 68 plates with £3k - £5k off RRP and decent spec.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 06 February 2019, 22:12
Thanks Doug - yeah i heard about a few more thefts and saw the RS3 in the news. its just terrible. Thanks for the heads up about the event will check it out
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Guzzle on 06 February 2019, 23:19
Very sorry to hear of your misfortune sandsy. Whoever violated your home will hopefully get their comeuppance.

Just so you know, new GTi's are now coming with keyless entry as standard, so if you're considering one you may wish to think about some additional security measures for added peace of mind.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: king monkey on 07 February 2019, 05:46
Firstly, I’m sorry to hear this. Dreadful news and I know exactly how you feel when you say that a little bit of your soul has gone. My pp gti was stolen st 14 months old. It was the first car I didn’t have GAP on as we’d just had a baby and money was tight etc.

I cleared my garage out and my s3 goes in every night. I simply wouldn’t have a performance car without it. I now use a disk lock every night which I highly recommend and have a tracker which I wouldn’t bother with again.

Insurance paid out within 3 weeks and I only lost around 1.5k, probably due to the discount I got when I bought it so couldn’t argue. Don’t accept your first insurance offer. Definitely worth haggling. I also got my local Vw to value the car for me and give insurance examples of cars with similar spec they were selling.  This helped.

Finally, don’t let the buggers win. Get the car you want, whether that be a performance car or a run around. First thing I do every morning is check the cars there:it never leaves you but does get better. Good luck.  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 07 February 2019, 07:35
Thanks for the info Guzzle - it's funny how thoughts change as know exactly what your saying about the keyless point but then I think if car had been keyless they might not have broken into our house (we were sleeping). So one to weigh up I guess.

King monkey - thanks for the insight. Might go and see my vw dealer as that is a great point. I also got a very good deal (got it through a Lloyd's employee scheme that no longer exists) so hoping not to lose much as also don't have gap. My over arching concern is that speaking to people this seems a lot more common than you expect so may well happen again in the future. I realise this isn't the right way to think about it but hard not too right now.

Also after a bit of auto trader surfing realised my wheels were actually Santiago not brescia lol guess mind not 100% just now.

Any more thoughts or tips greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: AGB on 07 February 2019, 08:09
:sick:

I have been lurking here for a while and have loved my 15 month old GTI performance pack. But my house got broken into and car keys stolen and cleared off with my car on Monday morning. Its still pretty raw and don't want to go into too much details as police still investigating. The thing that gets me the most is that I need to pay house insurance excess / car insurance excess, pay to retain my pvt plate. Likely to get shafted on insurance going forward and who knows how pay out from insurance company works.... All in all not a good week...

Anyway back to main point - yesterday I didn't even think i wanted a "good" car again but today thinking why should they stop me having something i enjoy. So my spec was 67 plate, DSG, just under 10k miles, dynaudio, heated windscreen, reversing camera, tinted windows, 19" brescias - think that's it all. Was 3 door but would consider 5.

Been looking on auto trader and hard to find the full package - esp dynaudio and camera. Anyone seen a similar spec / looking to sell in near future. I probably need to tidy garage, get it alarmed, and sort insurance so no idea when i will be in place to get back on GTI boat lol. Just feel like a little of my soul has gone after this theft. First time anything like this has happened to me

Driving wife's car now and feel like clutch / gears and handbrake just seems such hard work. Also anyone with same terrible experience let me know how you got on with insurance and any tips  / info

Just wanted to put a proverbial arm round your shoulder. I had this happen to me in South Africa but the thieves didn't realise there was a loaded gun in the drawer with the car keys so the invasion was thwarted. It wasn't a pleasant experience and could have ended very differently so taking the positives, you and your family are safe. It really is a violation when it happens.

As long as the house was secured and forced entry can be proven - you should be fine with the insurance but be prepared to get a spread of valuations to support the claim value unless you had an agreed value on the policy. The loss adjuster will always go low. If you can get your local garage who know the car to give you a valuation based on your actual car, that will carry more weight versus just getting an indicative valuation through something like webuyanycar.com.

You might want to consider the insurance impact of a tracker - I know that I'd not likely want a car back but if your premium sky rockets, the potential offset that a CAT5 tracker offers might make it worth considering.

Regarding a reversing camera, if you find a car close to your spec but without the camera, you can always have parts like that retrofitted. More expensive yes but an option.

Hope it's sorted out quickly.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: SRGTD on 07 February 2019, 08:22
Sorry to hear your bad news sandsy, and hopefully the perpetrators will be caught and receive an appropriate punishment. It’s so annoying when people work hard and save hard to have nice things and some delinquent lowlife scumbags come along and think they’re entitled to just help themselves. In your position, I’d be hoping the car’s not recovered as it’s likely the @r53h0les that have stolen it will have ragged it to within an inch of its life. There’s also been a couple of forum members who’ve had the front bumper stolen off their cars! Although not as bad as having your car stolen, there’s the inconvenience of waiting for the car to be repaired, and the longer term cost of the impact of claiming for repairs on your insurance.

Like king monkey, I always garage my car. I know that many modern cars have outgrown the domestic garage and won’t fit, but I’d urge any one who has a garage that’s big enough to get their car in to use it. I see lots of people who live near me who could garage their car but choose to lock their £200 lawn mower securely away in the garage and leave their £20k-plus car outside to tempt would-be thieves. I personally value my car more highly than my lawn mower!, although my lawn mower is also locked away - in the shed.

Don’t let the thieving b@5tards win. Get the car you want, but take some sensible precautions such as upgrading your home security (locks, alarm and CCTV), garaging your car if you have a garage and the car will fit, fitting visible physical theft protection such as a Disklok and purchase GAP cover. Don’t buy GAP from the car dealer though as it tends to be horrendously expensive and can be bought much cheaper from the specialist GAP insurers on the open market.



Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: fredgroves on 07 February 2019, 09:29
Sorry to hear about this :(

Scum!

At 15 months old and sub 10k, you are probably looking at a price that's not far off buying new again... use Drive the Deal, use VW finance, get the contribution, pay off if you have cash.

"Nearly new" is always a rip off IMHO.

You'll also get the spec you want rather than whatever is around. Dynaudio is not a common option for example.

Did you have GAP insurance?
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Gnasher on 07 February 2019, 10:14
Although a slightly different situation (the wife's car was written off and a fair bit older than yours) another option is to use autotrader to ascertain what it would cost you to replace the car.

Make sure you get it quite specific on age, spec (as close as you can on this one, you'll be unlikely to find your perfect spec) and mileage. Whichever way you do it, make sure you have images of the prices online (best bet is by using screenshots - press PrtScn on your keyboard on a PC and open something like MS Paint and paste it into there)

Obviously be as selective as you can be on the details to ensure the example prices you submit mean you get paid out is fair price to replace (after your excess).

Sorry to hear mate.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 07 February 2019, 16:55
Sorry to hear your story. PH is full of this at the moment. I bought a GTI over an R hoping it would be less desirable to theft, but recently there are many stories appearing about them going missing.  :sad:

Did they ‘lock snap’ their way in?  :angry:

Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Talk-torque on 07 February 2019, 17:09
Sad to hear. Ridiculous that some people think it’s OK to do stuff like this. Hope they’re caught soonest.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 07 February 2019, 18:53
Thanks for the comments everyone - much appreciated.

No Gap insurance unfortunately. Re the lock snap - i think that sounds about right. They bent the brass covers off the locks and got into them. The locksmith explained it a bit better, got camera footage and took them about 15 mins but still got in. Apparently can get anti shatter (might not be correct terminology) locks which is what he is recommending to the insurance company for a replacement which would have made it more difficult.

Any thoughts in electric garage doors (in central / east scotland). I think if i am going to garage a new car all the time it is probably a worthwhile investment - house is c10-15 years old and got up and over garage doors. Will also get alarm serviced and some new sensors added. I really cant think what this is all going to cost me.

Thinkng about it earlier - it feels to me like the government should offer a tax break or something similar to cover the cost of non fault crimes like this.

Also going to build a strong case re valuation so i am ready to challenge the insurance company valuation - thanks for all the advice

kmpowell - whats PH? know i am being thick but not sure!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: king monkey on 07 February 2019, 19:06
I had an old up and over garage door which I changed for a sectional automatic door with remote opening. Really helps when you pull up the drive, press the button and you’re in. Worth every penny imo. Think it was around 1-1.5k from what I remember.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 07 February 2019, 22:57
having a look on drive the deal - i thought the performance pack came with the DCC - is this incorrect?

looking on the options i need to add it but i thought i had it. Is this worth it with the 19 inch alloys for a better ride?

also see you get the discount with the PCP - but i understand you can pay this off immediately - just to make sure i get this right - there is no interest implications if you do this? deal actually seems quite good on drive the deal. I can basically order the same car as i had for a very similar price. wonder if there are any options i should have had that i could add now...!  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: AGB on 07 February 2019, 23:01
Thanks for the comments everyone - much appreciated.

No Gap insurance unfortunately. Re the lock snap - i think that sounds about right. They bent the brass covers off the locks and got into them. The locksmith explained it a bit better, got camera footage and took them about 15 mins but still got in. Apparently can get anti shatter (might not be correct terminology) locks which is what he is recommending to the insurance company for a replacement which would have made it more difficult.

Any thoughts in electric garage doors (in central / east scotland). I think if i am going to garage a new car all the time it is probably a worthwhile investment - house is c10-15 years old and got up and over garage doors. Will also get alarm serviced and some new sensors added. I really cant think what this is all going to cost me.

Thinkng about it earlier - it feels to me like the government should offer a tax break or something similar to cover the cost of non fault crimes like this.

Also going to build a strong case re valuation so i am ready to challenge the insurance company valuation - thanks for all the advice

kmpowell - whats PH? know i am being thick but not sure!

PH is Pistonheads.

Take a look at Hormann Garage Doors, their sectional garage doors are excellent. I have three on a cart lodge, not a single fault or squeak out of them in 4 years. SWS Seceuroglide and Garador are also good products.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Guzzle on 08 February 2019, 00:22
having a look on drive the deal - i thought the performance pack came with the DCC - is this incorrect?

looking on the options i need to add it but i thought i had it. Is this worth it with the 19 inch alloys for a better ride?

also see you get the discount with the PCP - but i understand you can pay this off immediately - just to make sure i get this right - there is no interest implications if you do this? deal actually seems quite good on drive the deal. I can basically order the same car as i had for a very similar price. wonder if there are any options i should have had that i could add now...!  :smiley:

No unfortunately the Dynamic Chassis Control is a standalone option i'm afraid. Only you can really decide if it's worth it, but if you've managed all this time not realising you didn't have it then it's clear you can manage without it. That doesn't mean though that you wouldn't notice an improvement.

You should be able to pay off the finance in the first few days, you'll incur a nominal interest charge of a few pounds. Not much really, VWFS tend not to pursue customers for deposit contributions when they exit the finance agreement.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: monkeyhanger on 08 February 2019, 07:15


You should be able to pay off the finance in the first few days, you'll incur a nominal interest charge of a few pounds. Not much really, VWFS tend not to pursue customers for deposit contributions when they exit the finance agreement.

VWFS cannot claim back the deposit contribution as current consumer law stands, just to clarify - "tend not to" implies they could if they wanted to.

For every day within the 14 day cooling off period you don't request to withdraw from the agreement, you'll be charged about £4 interest.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Guzzle on 08 February 2019, 07:28


You should be able to pay off the finance in the first few days, you'll incur a nominal interest charge of a few pounds. Not much really, VWFS tend not to pursue customers for deposit contributions when they exit the finance agreement.

VWFS cannot claim back the deposit contribution as current consumer law stands, just to clarify - "tend not to" implies they could if they wanted to.

For every day within the 14 day cooling off period you don't request to withdraw from the agreement, you'll be charged about £4 interest.

Just to clarify then, what do they charge if you settle after the 14 day cooling off period? And what does consumer law actually state?
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Talk-torque on 08 February 2019, 07:29
You should be able to pay off the finance in the first few days, you'll incur a nominal interest charge of a few pounds. Not much really, VWFS tend not to pursue customers for deposit contributions when they exit the finance agreement.

Let’s make this clearer. As discussed on here and as experienced by me and many others, you can pay off the finance in the first few days. You will be charged the interest due for those few days. VWFS will not persue you for the deposit contribution.

The dealer who sold us my wife’s car was (almost) embarassed when I asked him about it. They will not draw your attention to the possibility of doing this, but it is a function of current finance law that you have the right to terminate the agreement, whatever that agreement includes. The guy later admitted that he had done the same thing himself for his parents!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Talk-torque on 08 February 2019, 09:04

See here: https://www.vwfinance.co.uk/en/privatecustomers/manage_agreement.html for the charges after 14 days

“How is my Quote Calculated?
The settlement figure is calculated using the rules set out in the Consumer Credit (Early Settlement) Regulations 2004 which is used by all creditors for regulated credit agreements. This rule states that the settlement figure should be calculated assuming a settlement date which is 28 days after the date on which the customer requests a settlement figure, or a later date if one is specified by the customer. Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited also adds one month’s further interest to give the final settlement figure as allowed by the relevant legislation.”

So it would cost you a bit more, but any deposit contribution is not mentioned. I don’t know what the finance law says, but I do know that our finance agreement was for the amount borrowed after all contributions were taken into account, including the deposit contribution, so, as I read it, VWFS have no subsequent legal claim on any such contribution. It seems they rely on the lack of public knowledge to make this work for them in, what must be, the majority of cases.

Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: fredgroves on 08 February 2019, 09:30
having a look on drive the deal - i thought the performance pack came with the DCC - is this incorrect?

looking on the options i need to add it but i thought i had it. Is this worth it with the 19 inch alloys for a better ride?

also see you get the discount with the PCP - but i understand you can pay this off immediately - just to make sure i get this right - there is no interest implications if you do this? deal actually seems quite good on drive the deal. I can basically order the same car as i had for a very similar price. wonder if there are any options i should have had that i could add now...!  :smiley:

Yeah its perfectly doable, I know people in real life who have done it when they are cash buyers, as well as people on here.

No problem at all.

I'm glad that you took my hint - the DTD discount plus VWFS money makes buying nearly new seem like a rubbish deal.

Don't forget GAP this time! Pistonheads have their own GAP and there is a discount code for that too - its really not expensive and gives you more peace of mind. Utterly worth it!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 08 February 2019, 09:40
You should be able to pay off the finance in the first few days, you'll incur a nominal interest charge of a few pounds. Not much really, VWFS tend not to pursue customers for deposit contributions when they exit the finance agreement.

Let’s make this clearer. As discussed on here and as experienced by me and many others, you can pay off the finance in the first few days. You will be charged the interest due for those few days. VWFS will not persue you for the deposit contribution.

The dealer who sold us my wife’s car was (almost) embarassed when I asked him about it. They will not draw your attention to the possibility of doing this, but it is a function of current finance law that you have the right to terminate the agreement, whatever that agreement includes. The guy later admitted that he had done the same thing himself for his parents!
Indeed, early termination/withdrawal is covered by FCA consumer law. The interest charges will depend on what APR rate you are on, but as a guide interest on a £400pcm deal is roughly about £100 a month, so you will be charge the proportion part of that depending on how many days in the 14 day cooling off period, they may even charge you an "admin" fee also. VWFS will give you the settlement figure and you have 30 days to pay it. You'll pay interest on a daily basis until the point at which you say you want to terminate/withdraw. Just make sure you do it within the 14days, that is strict and non-negotiable.

Dealers currently have no legal recourse in claiming back a "deposit contribution" or incentive. It's like you going into a shop and buying a Mars bar that's been reduced from 80p to 50p... the shopkeeper chose to sell it at that price and give the money to YOU, therefore they have no recourse to claim it back once the transaction has been made.

Car companies are legally obliged to treat all customers equally and fairly, and not to discriminate between cash purchases and finance purchase, hence why the phrase "discount" was changed to "deposit contribution" a few years ago on finance products. A cash transaction and a finance transaction should be treated the same, but in reality we know that dealers are bound and targeted on finance sales and if everything was fair then they wouldn't try and charge 3x the interest on used cars, and try to upset you grossly inflated prices on "extras" such as sh!tty supaguard etc

:)
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Margy on 08 February 2019, 09:41
Sorry to hear! As others have said on here before, anti-snap euro cylinders are the way to go for double glazed doors. I run my own double glazing repair business, & these type of locks are a simple but effective upgrade. External door plates can also be upgraded to a type that partially cover the euro cylinder. Also think about sash jammers for your casement windows, these are a simple retro fit. Best of luck from here on in.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 08 February 2019, 09:51
I'm sure most people are aware of what lock snapping is, but if you're not then this guide from the master locksmiths association on what "lock-snapping" is, and how to protect yourself, is a really good place to start...

https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/security-advice/cylinder-snapping/

Thieves have also started to use blowtorches to melt their way into UPVC door lock cylinders.

HTH :smiley:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Margy on 08 February 2019, 12:44
You'll be surprised, most people have no idea what lock snapping is!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: mcmaddy on 08 February 2019, 17:51
Never mind lock snapping, but I do know what a dog's jaws snapping around burglers arms and legs looks and sounds like  :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Pixwix on 08 February 2019, 22:12
Sorry to hear your news Sandsy.
Regarding getting another car, it was actually my losss adjustor that said 'don't let them put you off getting what you want' - but then he might have just been after more business :smiley: I was quite pleased I met him in person, it felt like a grilling but like to think we had a bit of rapport which helped in the end.
I was second owner and my car was about 10 months old but I was lucky enough to get back what I had paid for it. Got a new car by doing a Carwow price match deal on pCp with the deposit contribution which I then paid back in the 14 days with my insurance money. I was lucky enough also to have 28 days car rental for theft on my insurance, some policies have a lot less.

 I do worry now and have beefed up security, can't garage, and although new locks fitted still no deterrent against the 'key' they used last time, a bloody big coping stone!

In my area recently   -
a Gti stolen by 4 on the doorstep with knives
 a 62 plate Beetle taken after house break in
 an attempt to steal car keys after brick through patio door at 4.30 pm.

My biggest wish would be to discover more detail about how/why the crimes are committed. It's a shame the police don't or can't share any information they glean, assuming they get anything much of course.

Hope you get a good result with insurance company etc.



Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 09 February 2019, 09:15
Thanks for the advice / thoughts / sentiments. Just to absolutely clear - if you take the PCP do you have to pay it in 14 days cooling off (i probably would anyway) or can you do it anytime.

Bit of an update on where i am up to - none of the service i am receiving has been great.

House insurance - despite coming out last Monday and taking loads of photos etc they phoned me yesterday to say they needed to re-assess the locks. Asked why - clearly no idea so coming back out monday for that. So then will need another day to fit them...

Car insurance - a bit quiet on that front. They have spoken with the named drivers on my policy and i have sent them the spare key and the footage from my cameras. Not 100% sure what next step is with them. Need to speak to them but want to get myself ready to challenege any valuation

Service plan - this was dissappointing. Had the service plan - have paid £130 with the car never setting a tyre in the garage. Phoned yesterday to cancel / put on hold / maybe transfer to a future vehicle. None of the above allowed and (well i did cancel) and therefore a complete waste of money. It is in their ts&cs but would have thought a goodwill gesture would have been appropriate. Anyway formal complaint letter prepped and getting posted to VFS today.

Also any idea on lead times from drive the deal etc. My previous one took quite a while to come, will need to think about rental car soon as 1 car isn't going to work for long...

Have a good weekend everyone and good advice on the locks
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 09 February 2019, 13:51
https://www.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-vehicle-has-been-stolen/personalised-registration-number (https://www.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-vehicle-has-been-stolen/personalised-registration-number)

Hi all - can anyone help with this. I have printed the forms (V317) and completed option B. But it says  to also send the V5 away with it. Does anyone understand if i need to complete anything on the V5?

I assume that i will then get a new V5 back with my normal (old) reg, then depending on what happens with the insurance i will then need to send this back saying i have sold to insurer if they settle?

I tried to call them but lines are busy and they close in 20 mins. So will try again on Monday morning.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: monkeyhanger on 09 February 2019, 14:14
Thanks for the advice / thoughts / sentiments. Just to absolutely clear - if you take the PCP do you have to pay it in 14 days cooling off (i probably would anyway) or can you do it anytime.

You can pay your PCP off any time after the 14 days, but you'll have already been paying a big chunk of PCP interest every month, and you'll have to pay 2 month's worth of penalty interest on top.

Pay on days 1 - 14 and it'll cost you £4 a day. Ask for a settlement on day 15 and you'll be paying £350ish in interest.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kalimon on 09 February 2019, 15:13
Exactly what monkeyhanger said :wink:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: jv on 09 February 2019, 15:27
https://www.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-vehicle-has-been-stolen/personalised-registration-number (https://www.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-vehicle-has-been-stolen/personalised-registration-number)

Hi all - can anyone help with this. I have printed the forms (V317) and completed option B. But it says  to also send the V5 away with it. Does anyone understand if i need to complete anything on the V5?

I assume that i will then get a new V5 back with my normal (old) reg, then depending on what happens with the insurance i will then need to send this back saying i have sold to insurer if they settle?

I tried to call them but lines are busy and they close in 20 mins. So will try again on Monday morning.

Nothing needs doing with the V5 - it gets destroyed and you get a replacement with the new/old reg :)
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Pixwix on 09 February 2019, 15:43
https://www.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-vehicle-has-been-stolen/personalised-registration-number (https://www.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-vehicle-has-been-stolen/personalised-registration-number)

Hi all - can anyone help with this. I have printed the forms (V317) and completed option B. But it says  to also send the V5 away with it. Does anyone understand if i need to complete anything on the V5?

I assume that i will then get a new V5 back with my normal (old) reg, then depending on what happens with the insurance i will then need to send this back saying i have sold to insurer if they settle?

I tried to call them but lines are busy and they close in 20 mins. So will try again on Monday morning.

Nothing needs doing with the V5 - it gets destroyed and you get a replacement with the new/old reg :)
.......and then the year wait until you get your cherished plate assigned back to you, I really didn't like that as my plate has been in the family for over 60 years.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 09 February 2019, 16:36
thanks for the replies - re 12 months to get plate back on. I have read that on various sited but the dvla link i posted states the following:

If you do not get your stolen vehicle back

You must wait 6 months before you can transfer your private registration number to another vehicle. You can only do this by post.

So has it changed or is this just incorrect?

What a faff!!!!!! :angry:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Pixwix on 09 February 2019, 18:00
Hopefully it is only 6 months now  Sandsy, it was June 2016 when mine was stolen. I hope if you ring you don't get the same numpty I had ... 'do you know where your car is?'  'If you can't prove where it is you may not get your plate back".....
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Restlessnative on 09 February 2019, 21:38
Sorry to hear about your bad news Sandsy.Too close to home for me.Our part of Scotland has had it relatively quiet regards car theft over the years .But i think we are now seen as fair game for the Edinburgh/Glasgow bad boys.Been a few recently in Grangemouth (M140i,CLA45 AMG).Even took a minter Mk2 Focus RS off the forecourt at Arnold Clark Merc Grangemouth.
I don't think your car being keyless would have made any difference with them breaking into your house.The relay method has still to take off up here.Most are still being done by burglary/theft of keys.
Know what you mean about lack of options on most GTI's.Most folk just order them with the (already standard) big spec.
Garaging is definitely the way forward.
Hope you get it all sorted out soon.Get yourself an R and tuck it away at night.Do not let the swines win!.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Restlessnative on 09 February 2019, 21:52
Very sorry to hear of your misfortune sandsy. Whoever violated your home will hopefully get their comeuppance.

Just so you know, new GTi's are now coming with keyless entry as standard, so if you're considering one you may wish to think about some additional security measures for added peace of mind.

I hope they are coming with an on/off switch on the fob?.I know car manufacturers are working on a system that stops the fob transmitting when it's not moving (i.e on your kitchen table).But i don't know how far that tech is in development.
If VW haven't done anything than that's just plain madness.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 10 February 2019, 09:40
Very sorry to hear of your misfortune sandsy. Whoever violated your home will hopefully get their comeuppance.

Just so you know, new GTi's are now coming with keyless entry as standard, so if you're considering one you may wish to think about some additional security measures for added peace of mind.

I hope they are coming with an on/off switch on the fob?.I know car manufacturers are working on a system that stops the fob transmitting when it's not moving (i.e on your kitchen table).But i don't know how far that tech is in development.
If VW haven't done anything than that's just plain madness.
If you want, you can switch off Keyless on the 7.5.

To spread the awareness for those that don't know. Lock the car with the fob, then within 5 seconds press the keyless button/sensor on the door handle. That switches off the keyless-entry system until the next time you unlock the car with the fob. Perfect for when leaving the car overnight or if in a particularly vulnerable place. :)
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Restlessnative on 10 February 2019, 12:40
Very sorry to hear of your misfortune sandsy. Whoever violated your home will hopefully get their comeuppance.

Just so you know, new GTi's are now coming with keyless entry as standard, so if you're considering one you may wish to think about some additional security measures for added peace of mind.

I hope they are coming with an on/off switch on the fob?.I know car manufacturers are working on a system that stops the fob transmitting when it's not moving (i.e on your kitchen table).But i don't know how far that tech is in development.
If VW haven't done anything than that's just plain madness.
If you want, you can switch off Keyless on the 7.5.

To spread the awareness for those that don't know. Lock the car with the fob, then within 5 seconds press the keyless button/sensor on the door handle. That switches off the keyless-entry system until the next time you unlock the car with the fob. Perfect for when leaving the car overnight or if in a particularly vulnerable place. :)

That's a giant leap forward.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: JB GTI on 10 February 2019, 14:25
Very sorry to hear of your misfortune sandsy. Whoever violated your home will hopefully get their comeuppance.

Just so you know, new GTi's are now coming with keyless entry as standard, so if you're considering one you may wish to think about some additional security measures for added peace of mind.

I hope they are coming with an on/off switch on the fob?.I know car manufacturers are working on a system that stops the fob transmitting when it's not moving (i.e on your kitchen table).But i don't know how far that tech is in development.
If VW haven't done anything than that's just plain madness.
If you want, you can switch off Keyless on the 7.5.

To spread the awareness for those that don't know. Lock the car with the fob, then within 5 seconds press the keyless button/sensor on the door handle. That switches off the keyless-entry system until the next time you unlock the car with the fob. Perfect for when leaving the car overnight or if in a particularly vulnerable place. :)

Really? All that does is unlock my 7.5 again  :huh:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 10 February 2019, 15:35
Very sorry to hear of your misfortune sandsy. Whoever violated your home will hopefully get their comeuppance.

Just so you know, new GTi's are now coming with keyless entry as standard, so if you're considering one you may wish to think about some additional security measures for added peace of mind.

I hope they are coming with an on/off switch on the fob?.I know car manufacturers are working on a system that stops the fob transmitting when it's not moving (i.e on your kitchen table).But i don't know how far that tech is in development.
If VW haven't done anything than that's just plain madness.
If you want, you can switch off Keyless on the 7.5.

To spread the awareness for those that don't know. Lock the car with the fob, then within 5 seconds press the keyless button/sensor on the door handle. That switches off the keyless-entry system until the next time you unlock the car with the fob. Perfect for when leaving the car overnight or if in a particularly vulnerable place. :)

Really? All that does is unlock my 7.5 again  :huh:
Yup, I'll DM you a link to a little video I just did to show how...

:smiley:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 10 February 2019, 23:25
Well my car has been recovered. But has been used in other robberies and is damaged. Headlight smashed and bumper and wing scuffed and dented. Also key not recovered. Not sure how I feel about it and not sure how long it will be until I get it back. It needs forensics then released to insurance company and then repaired. On the positive side my wife's bag was still in it alongside a lot of other stolen gear apparently!!!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: fredgroves on 11 February 2019, 09:08
Well my car has been recovered. But has been used in other robberies and is damaged. Headlight smashed and bumper and wing scuffed and dented. Also key not recovered. Not sure how I feel about it and not sure how long it will be until I get it back. It needs forensics then released to insurance company and then repaired. On the positive side my wife's bag was still in it alongside a lot of other stolen gear apparently!!!

I guess you don't have a choice regarding it being repaired? It won't be a write off with that damage.

I believe there is no way of avoiding the "stolen recovered" flag from the insurance database which can be a big problem with resale.

What you need to carefully do is to get a full evaluation inspection and keep a copy of it. Have them check everything and document it - so you can prove later that the nature of the damage was minor cosmetic and not the thing bent in half.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 11 February 2019, 09:21
Well my car has been recovered. But has been used in other robberies and is damaged. Headlight smashed and bumper and wing scuffed and dented. Also key not recovered. Not sure how I feel about it and not sure how long it will be until I get it back. It needs forensics then released to insurance company and then repaired. On the positive side my wife's bag was still in it alongside a lot of other stolen gear apparently!!!

That must be nearly as bad as having it stolen in the first place..  :sad:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 11 February 2019, 18:42
I don't think I get a choice. Need police to do their stuff and release it to the insurers for assessment. Seems to have been a part of a bigger picture of criminal activity and not just a car theft so might take a bit longer. I have a friend in the car industry, I might see if he can get someone in VW to assess the car if possible.

If the car comes back repaired and is in good enough condition I can live with it as I was planning on keeping it for a while so hopefully I won't lose too much long term.

Still been a right pain in the backside. Too much admin
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: monkeyhanger on 11 February 2019, 19:03
Well my car has been recovered. But has been used in other robberies and is damaged. Headlight smashed and bumper and wing scuffed and dented. Also key not recovered. Not sure how I feel about it and not sure how long it will be until I get it back. It needs forensics then released to insurance company and then repaired. On the positive side my wife's bag was still in it alongside a lot of other stolen gear apparently!!!

I guess you don't have a choice regarding it being repaired? It won't be a write off with that damage.

I believe there is no way of avoiding the "stolen recovered" flag from the insurance database which can be a big problem with resale.

What you need to carefully do is to get a full evaluation inspection and keep a copy of it. Have them check everything and document it - so you can prove later that the nature of the damage was minor cosmetic and not the thing bent in half.

If it's PCP'd, I'd be giving it back end of term or pxing it within VW network for something else rather than trying to sell on the that stolen/recovered tag.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: barrym381 on 11 February 2019, 20:47
I don't think I get a choice. Need police to do their stuff and release it to the insurers for assessment. Seems to have been a part of a bigger picture of criminal activity and not just a car theft so might take a bit longer. I have a friend in the car industry, I might see if he can get someone in VW to assess the car if possible.

If the car comes back repaired and is in good enough condition I can live with it as I was planning on keeping it for a while so hopefully I won't lose too much long term.

Still been a right pain in the backside. Too much admin
Tell your insurance company where you want the car repaired after the police are finished with it a forensic examination usually takes between 3-7 days to give one of them time to check for fingerprints and stuff  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: king monkey on 11 February 2019, 20:57
Good luck Sandsy. This sounds like a nightmare. I always thought I’d want mine back but not sure nowadays. Hope you get everything sorted.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 11 February 2019, 21:22
certainly had better weeks - thanks everyone. Advice and thoughts been greatly appreciated - will keep up to date with goings on
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: monkeyhanger on 11 February 2019, 21:25
I don't think I get a choice. Need police to do their stuff and release it to the insurers for assessment. Seems to have been a part of a bigger picture of criminal activity and not just a car theft so might take a bit longer. I have a friend in the car industry, I might see if he can get someone in VW to assess the car if possible.

If the car comes back repaired and is in good enough condition I can live with it as I was planning on keeping it for a while so hopefully I won't lose too much long term.

Still been a right pain in the backside. Too much admin
Tell your insurance company where you want the car repaired after the police are finished with it a forensic examination usually takes between 3-7 days to give one of them time to check for fingerprints and stuff  :smiley:

I don't think my local force would go through the forensics with the car unless someone had been  fatally hit by it. They do all they can to deny crimes and fudge the crime stats - or issue crime numbers when faced with irrefutable evidence of a break-in or theft.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Gnasher on 12 February 2019, 10:21
Don't know whether to say better to have it back - even getting it back results in a claim so you're still out of pocket with it.

As has been said, make sure it goes to YOUR choice of bodyshop - while some insurance body shops are really good, there are some that do the repair as cheap as possible and cut corners.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Mark V GTD on 12 February 2019, 14:15
Dealers currently have no legal recourse in claiming back a "deposit contribution" or incentive. It's like you going into a shop and buying a Mars bar that's been reduced from 80p to 50p... the shopkeeper chose to sell it at that price and give the money to YOU, therefore they have no recourse to claim it back once the transaction has been made.finance products.

Good analogy - but perhaps a closer one would be walking in to a shop that has a BOGOF on Mars bars, then coming back later, saying 'I have changed my mind' and asking for your money back - but only returning one Mars bar on the basis the other one was 'free'! Not sure you would get very far with that one....
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Arnold_Lane on 12 February 2019, 16:11
Well my car has been recovered. But has been used in other robberies and is damaged. Headlight smashed and bumper and wing scuffed and dented. Also key not recovered. Not sure how I feel about it and not sure how long it will be until I get it back. It needs forensics then released to insurance company and then repaired. On the positive side my wife's bag was still in it alongside a lot of other stolen gear apparently!!!

I believe there is no way of avoiding the "stolen recovered" flag from the insurance database which can be a big problem with resale.


I had no issue when i got a car back after it had been stolen and recovered. It required new keys / locks and these were on a surprisingly long lead time (5 weeks), but there was no body damage.

The car was marked as 'stolen' on the insurance database which the insurer forgot to correct when it was recovered. I only found this out at sale time, so had to call them, but they sorted it out straight away and it came up clear on an HPI check within a day or so.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 12 February 2019, 18:33
Dealers currently have no legal recourse in claiming back a "deposit contribution" or incentive. It's like you going into a shop and buying a Mars bar that's been reduced from 80p to 50p... the shopkeeper chose to sell it at that price and give the money to YOU, therefore they have no recourse to claim it back once the transaction has been made.finance products.

Good analogy - but perhaps a closer one would be walking in to a shop that has a BOGOF on Mars bars, then coming back later, saying 'I have changed my mind' and asking for your money back - but only returning one Mars bar on the basis the other one was 'free'! Not sure you would get very far with that one....
Not quite. BOGOF still equates to a total transaction price, not the fact one of them is free. If two mars bars were what you got for the total transaction cost, then you return two mars bars, not one. If you get one car for a total cost, then you return one car and get your cost back, or in this instance you pay the total transaction cost off.

Deposit contribution is a reduction in the total transaction cost, not a separate entity where you buy the car and get free cash.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 12 February 2019, 21:27

Not quite. BOGOF still equates to a total transaction price, not the fact one of them is free. If two mars bars were what you got for the total transaction cost, then you return two mars bars, not one. If you get one car for a total cost, then you return one car and get your cost back, or in this instance you pay the total transaction cost off.



I bet you're a laugh in the pub....  :grin:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 12 February 2019, 21:33

Not quite. BOGOF still equates to a total transaction price, not the fact one of them is free. If two mars bars were what you got for the total transaction cost, then you return two mars bars, not one. If you get one car for a total cost, then you return one car and get your cost back, or in this instance you pay the total transaction cost off.


 
I bet you're a laugh in the pub....  :grin:
I don’t go to pubs and talk to real people or have friends. I am that sad I prefer to sit at home talking to strangers on the internet about the semantics of BOGOF offers and how they relate to a real world car-purchase...  :wink:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Mark V GTD on 17 February 2019, 10:04
Surely the operative word is 'free' - you buy one and get one free. So if you return the one that your bought surely you can keep the 'free' one!  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 19 February 2019, 08:22
Car arrived at repair centre yest going to see it today. Going to push for new everything if possible
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Gnasher on 19 February 2019, 08:52
Make sure it's perfect when you get it back - the idea of insurance (and the term solicitors like to use about it) is that it is there to ensure you are not "disadvantaged". If it's not perfect and your insurance are getting you to try and accept it, just use the term and they seem to cave immediately (or at least, they did with me).

Fingers crossed for you mate.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 27 March 2019, 15:46
Taking keys in the night is one but this is frightening. All for a fast Golf. Puts me right off the R. Good effort from the neighbour though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKljvMnarVM
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: andy28 on 27 March 2019, 16:15
Scary stuff isn't it!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kalimon on 27 March 2019, 16:49
Taking keys in the night is one but this is frightening. All for a fast Golf. Puts me right off the R. Good effort from the neighbour though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKljvMnarVM

That video is mental!!
Not sure I'd risk using my car as a barricade but I would have been out with my trusty baseball bat pronto :angry:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: barrym381 on 27 March 2019, 16:57
And this is usually what happens next

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/4048216/harrowing-moment-schoolboy-14-sent-spinning-in-the-air-and-left-fighting-for-life-by-hit-and-run-thug-fleeing-cops/
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kalimon on 27 March 2019, 17:06
And this is usually what happens next

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/4048216/harrowing-moment-schoolboy-14-sent-spinning-in-the-air-and-left-fighting-for-life-by-hit-and-run-thug-fleeing-cops/
I saw that earlier, despicable human beings who really need putting down.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: NewbieGTIP on 27 March 2019, 18:24
It was a huge consideration when buying mine, will it get stolen? Am I putting my family at risk for the sake of a car? I’ve got cctv, a burglar alarm and I block it in with one of my other cars every night but I still feel uneasy. There’s no aspect of life that hasn’t been ruined by thugs.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 27 March 2019, 18:33
And this is usually what happens next

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/4048216/harrowing-moment-schoolboy-14-sent-spinning-in-the-air-and-left-fighting-for-life-by-hit-and-run-thug-fleeing-cops/

Madness. Although that is a different car. That’s not an R in that clip.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: AmbushReality on 27 March 2019, 18:39
Taking keys in the night is one but this is frightening. All for a fast Golf. Puts me right off the R. Good effort from the neighbour though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKljvMnarVM

Fair play to that neighbour. Not many would be willing to sacrifice their car especially one as expensive as that. I'd be buying him plenty of beer for his efforts
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Guzzle on 27 March 2019, 19:39
Taking keys in the night is one but this is frightening. All for a fast Golf. Puts me right off the R. Good effort from the neighbour though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKljvMnarVM

Fair play to that neighbour. Not many would be willing to sacrifice their car especially one as expensive as that. I'd be buying him plenty of beer for his efforts

Totally agree. That takes guts, especially when you don't know what the vermin are capable of  :angry:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: ar899 on 28 March 2019, 08:56
Just looked at that video of the Golf being stolen - shocking. Though good to have neighbours like that.

Does anyone have any views/experience on using a steering wheel lock? The full covering Disklock type would 'appear' to prevent anyone driving away?
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 28 March 2019, 09:07
Just looked at that video of the Golf being stolen - shocking. Though good to have neighbours like that.

Does anyone have any views/experience on using a steering wheel lock? The full covering Disklock type would 'appear' to prevent anyone driving away?

When 4 guys have entered your house with whatever weapons I don't think a disklock is going to stop them!

But certainly stops the keyless theft - although does that just mean they will come into the house like this one?

Just heard this am that keyless systems now blamed for the increase in vehicle thefts - 29% increase from 2017, now 1 car every 6 minutes in the UK  :shocked:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Phuture on 28 March 2019, 12:13
Im sure insurance costs on cars with keyless entry will rocket now  :undecided:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Restlessnative on 28 March 2019, 21:04
Im sure insurance costs on cars with keyless entry will rocket now  :undecided:

They might well do.As yet it's not a question i've ever encountered when applying for insurance.But it's sure to change soon.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: SRGTD on 28 March 2019, 23:13
Im sure insurance costs on cars with keyless entry will rocket now  :undecided:

They might well do.As yet it's not a question i've ever encountered when applying for insurance.But it's sure to change soon.

As well as potential premium increases, insurers may also insist on the fitment of additional Thatcham approved security measures before they’re prepared to insure a keyless performance hatch. That was the approach many insurers took in the 1980’s with hot hatches.
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 29 March 2019, 10:58
Im sure insurance costs on cars with keyless entry will rocket now  :undecided:

I imagine we will all pay for the increase!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Ashtons99 on 19 March 2020, 21:29
What was the end result with this.

I must say the theft aspect with these cars is a worrying prospect.....well not the theft but the manner in which they are stolen and the lengths the thieves go to. Almost all go by “2 in one” burglaries where the home is entered either when the occupants are out or in bed. This is really the only way the car can be taken barring the keyless bypass.

Im looking for a Gti at the moment and it is troubling me somewhat. The car being stolen off the drive is one thing but the burglary element is very concerning. I get the weekly lists of vehicles stolen in my county and certainly the Gti doesn’t feature particularly highly compared to the R or the performance Audi’s but it does remain a concern.

Part of me thinks is it worth the trouble of owning one but then you should be able to have whatever car you want sat on your drive.

To date the reluctance of the dealers to do any sort of a deal on their 19 plate cars is taking that decision away from me anyway !
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Toeman on 19 March 2020, 22:25
Did you ever get a car sorted sandsy
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: sandsy on 20 March 2020, 20:22
Hey - can't believe all this was a year ago. Short story is all sorted got car back and it's great and now lives in garage!

Longer story if you can be bothered....

It took a while to get it fixed and then got caught up with "changing" or maybe re-coding locks. Turned out the insurer didn't remove the stolen flags from the systems and the car somehow "knew" this and wouldn't let VW re-code it. Surprisingly VW didn't seem to know this and I was the one who eventually phoned insurers and asked them to check. This then sorted it. Can't remember all the dates now but after being stolen at start of Feb and recovered mid to late Feb I dont think i got it back until end ish April. Was cutting around in 1.0L Fiesta for a while!

The repair was really good. They did about 1000 miles in the 6 or so days they had it (i had done just under10k miles when it got stolen). I am quite careful with fuel most of the time - when i fill it up it says it has about 380 miles in tank. When i got it back and filled it up it said something like 250 so guess they booted it around a bit. It also needed service quite quick after that so got it all checked. The only thing i have really noticed is that the rear tint does seem to have marks on it but didn't notice at the time. Not terrible but annoying when i look after it.

While i was waiting for it to come back I got an electric garage door and new house alarm incl garage sensor. Cost quite a bit but car now lives in garage all the time. But it's well looked after and feels mine again.

A costly and undeserved escapade but thankfully not an issue now. As an aside, my wife's handbag and a couple of things in the car (like car park token) are being held by the police as evidence. This did go into a bigger case as was gang related (google operation greenbay edinburgh or lothians) but no sign of these being released.

Final point - i can't remember if i discussed this, but they did snap our locks to get in the house. I have since personally fitted anti snap locks and would recommend looking into. Youtube video is an eye opener!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Watts on 20 March 2020, 20:44
Good news sandsy, glad you've been able to bond again and enjoy owning your car!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Exonian on 20 March 2020, 20:56
Good news sandsy, glad you've been able to bond again and enjoy owning your car!

Echoed. :afro:

What a great attitude you have surrounding it all sandsy  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: Talk-torque on 21 March 2020, 07:08
Echo your point about anti-snap locks sandsy. Many of us are living behind the ubiquitous Euro Lock, thinking we are secure, but often vulnerable, as they can be really easy to break through. Simple job to change out  for anyone remotely handy with a screwdriver, and decent, properly secure, locks are available online. Google Euro Lock and have a browse - you may find your locks are OK, but you may be shocked! Doesn’t hurt to change your locks every so often, anyway. Make it one of your self-isolation projects!
Title: Re: GTI Stolen - thoughts on replacement
Post by: kmpowell on 21 March 2020, 08:07
Echo your point about anti-snap locks sandsy. Many of us are living behind the ubiquitous Euro Lock, thinking we are secure, but often vulnerable, as they can be really easy to break through. Simple job to change out  for anyone remotely handy with a screwdriver, and decent, properly secure, locks are available online. Google Euro Lock and have a browse - you may find your locks are OK, but you may be shocked! Doesn’t hurt to change your locks every so often, anyway. Make it one of your self-isolation projects!
Totally agree. Until you see the videos of lock snapping, it’s hard to comprehend how easy it is. You can have the best door in the world but if the lock cylinder is weak it can be opened in literally seconds. For years I’ve not even given it a second thought. I thought the door strength and multipoint locking mechanism mattered most, but it really doesn’t.

I changed the three main door entry points to my house to Avocet ATK 3* locks (https://amzn.to/2wj1PCy). It only cost £150 and each lock took only 5mins to fit DIY with just a screwdriver needed. I’m the worlds least ‘handy’ man, so if I can do it then anyone can.

If your doors are quite old then also think about upgrading your door handles/furniture to metal. Again, very cheap (and easy to do) and great peace of mind.

P.s I chose the ATK cylinders over the ABS due to there being very easy to buy devices that can pick the magnetic key cylinders quite quickly!

HTH anybody thinking of changing their cylinders.