Dismantling Cars at Night.. A New Theft Method Worries Algerians

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Algerians woke up to a new type of theft, as thieves no longer content themselves with stealing complete cars, but instead are dismantling their parts at night and stealing components that can be sold separately.

Several cars have been subjected to this type of theft, including cars in the Qareedi neighborhood of the municipality of El Madania in the capital, Algiers, where thieves have stolen doors from luxury cars and their headlights, which are high-priced parts in the Algerian market.

Passersby also recorded videos of the cars after they were almost completely dismantled, amid astonishment at how these operations were carried out in a populated neighborhood, with balconies overlooking the parking lots, making it possible to detect the dismantling process.

While some observers suggested that those carrying out these operations might be specialists in quickly dismantling cars, others speculated that they could be residents of the neighborhood itself.

These incidents have sparked demands from Algerians to intensify the installation of surveillance cameras in streets, neighborhoods, and parking lots, with the aim of reducing thefts and documenting crimes, which would help track suspects and facilitate their arrest.

Security specialist Abdel Samad Aidawi stated that vehicle theft "is no longer limited to stealing them entirely, but some gangs have started to dismantle them and steal their parts, especially doors, lights, mirrors, wheels, and some electronic equipment, before transporting and selling them separately."

He also clarified, as the owner of a company specialized in institutional security, in a statement to "Al Arabiya/Al Hadath," that this type of crime benefits from the difficulty of detecting the dismantling process, especially when it occurs in isolated places or during nighttime hours, noting that some vehicles can be stripped of several parts in a short time before disposing of the pieces or reselling them through various channels.

Aidawi also believes that reducing this phenomenon requires enhancing field surveillance means, primarily by intensifying the installation of surveillance cameras in streets, neighborhoods, and parking lots, especially in areas that witness heavy vehicle traffic or where repeated thefts are recorded. He added that surveillance cameras can help document the movements of suspicious individuals and vehicles, determine the timing and location of the crime, in addition to providing data that may assist security services in investigations and identifying those involved.

However, he emphasized that the effectiveness of these means is linked to the quality of the equipment, the locations of their installation, and their ability to operate under various conditions, in addition to the necessity of having clear mechanisms for storing recordings and utilizing them when needed.

In this regard, the specialist pointed out that the spread of surveillance cameras may face several obstacles, including the cost of acquiring, installing, and maintaining the equipment, in addition to the need to cover a large number of points, as well as difficulties related to infrastructure and providing electricity and communications in some locations. He emphasized, on the other hand, that surveillance by cameras "cannot be a substitute for field security work," but should be part of an integrated system that includes patrols, rapid reporting of thefts, tracking the path of stolen spare parts, and tightening control over places selling them.

He also added that security services are keen on this continuously, citing the quick response following theft operations, especially those that are circulated via social media.