andrewcwilson Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Love my GTI (despite the wife's best attempts to ruin it by scraping the wheels recently). Thing is I keep it on my drive at night, with no possibility of garaging her. Thieves have broken into our home twice within the last 3 months, apparently in an attempt to snatch the keys to the GTI. On the first occasion we were on holiday and had wisely taken the keys with us despite travelling in my company issue Mondeo. Last night we were broken into at midnight whilst I was awake and working on the computer upstairs. The house alarm was triggered and on going down to investigate, found myself face to face with an intruder. Extremely distressing, particularly as I have a wife and two young kids asleep upstairs. They ran off with the keys...wait for it, for the Mondeo, realised their mistake and then ditched them. The GTI keys were in a safe place upstairs. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that this car is placing my family at risk and with extremely heavy heart have decided she has to go. What do you think she will be worth at trade in? 14 months old, diamond black, 18" Monza (2 are scuffed), leather, DSG, Xenon, Armrest/CD multichanger and about 14K miles. Absolutely gutted. BTW I live in Leeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutkins Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Really sorry to hear this, no-one should have to go through these things in their own home, makes your blood boil Sadly it sounds like you're making a wise decision - I avoided getting a Red GTI for the very reason of it standing out a little too much. You have a very steathly colour as well... Sorry not sure RE trade in price (someone else will no doubt know), be better to sell privately but I guess you want to move it on quickly. Maybe talk to some dealers and wack £500 on top of what they offer, probably sell quite fast I'd imagine. Best of luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skifly Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Its very odd that insurance_jon had someone do that to him and took his RS4 cab and he is based over near xscape i think. I also heard of someone in pudsey who had their front door broken down the night they got their GTI and had it stolen - it had something like 6 miles on the clock!! Where in leeds are you as I am a former leeds boy myself (feel free to PM). Also a few years ago my parents had this happen (also in leeds) - an E300TurboDiesel and a 328 with bodykit was taken while they were all asleep in bed. The guy who organised it is now dead though so doubt it was him. If the car is the target then it really is a good idea to get rid. But what do you go for next? Maybe it is also worth considering some CCTV / sensor lighting round the house etc...? My parents place is now lit up 24/7 plus a couple of hidden cameras (although no signs). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 I have cameras, security lights, alarm, and a farm gate, but am still paranoid. Thieves will try anything and have so much front. I've always wondered what i would do in such a situation, did you chase him or go for him... think that would be my instinct (with a 5 iron or 3 wood) Sell it mate and get a TDI. Old shape BMW 3 series 330d. As much poke as the GTI, but much more discreet. As for the price, I reckon around £18,000-£19,000 Privately. Their aren't that many Private GTI's on Autotrader at the moment. Last national search brought up 2 pages, most were 3dr's and manual. Very few 5dr GTI with DSG. Dealers will take the pi$$ at £16k i reckon. Someone who wants that spec will probably cough up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oxfordlad Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 I dont blame you for wanting to sell, faced with the same thing I would do that too. But I would also stronly consider moving... I have to say I am concerned..... I have just got an offer accepted on a house in Royston, although not the crime capital of the world similar things have happened there including someone getting stabbed in their face as they tried to resist taking their keys (M3). Until earl next year my car is parked at my parents in a sleepy village. So where does this leave me, I will have to park my car on the road until I can mod the front garden to turn it into a driveway (which requires planning permission). What can I do to reduce the risk? (house is terrace with double glazing all around) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skifly Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 oxfordlad - check the depth between footpath and front of house as most councils have a blanket rule for how much is needed to park a car. Not enough and they will not even look at the application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oxfordlad Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 There are a few houses down the road that have had it done so I assumed I would be able to put a good case forward? I will get on the case, thanks mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Bloody Hell, that's terrible. If I were you and this is with no disrespect to Leeds in general or the part you live in, I'd move house. There are some right scum bags living near you and with the kids this can't be good. Looks to me like you've been targeted and they'll try and snatch anything remotely swift whatever it is. Sorry. Tian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Do you need planning permission??? don't think you do. As for Royston, it's about as safe as you can get. You've just got to get on with life and take precautions. I've worked with the Home Office for years on their Crime campaign, you'd be amazed at how clumsy and absent minded most victims of crime can be. Just have your wits about you and think like they do. That way you can reduce your risk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewcwilson Posted November 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 The area where I am is really pleasant - green belt 3 miles or so from Leeds centre - an estate of stone built detached properties - nice neighbours etc so moving not really an option. These scrotes have come from outside the area specifically targetting my estate because there are nice cars and houses with goodies inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 [ QUOTE ] There are a few houses down the road that have had it done so I assumed I would be able to put a good case forward? I will get on the case, thanks mate [/ QUOTE ] but not being funny dude, it won't exactly deter a thief will it. (6yds of Block paving that is) Just get an alarm, cctv and a nice big dog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oxfordlad Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 It was not so much the thiefs, more just damage from people walking past etc, I know it can still be done but just less likley I suppose - plus cheaper insurance! Alarm is a good idea, any suggestions? would not know where to start, very new to the whole house buying thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjd1965 Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Sorry to hear that you are thinking of selling your car because of the low life trying to steal it. I suppose nowdays it can happen anywhere. We`are lucky enough to be able to lock both cars (Evo 8 / astra VXR) away in the garage at night, Ok it still not 100% but it helps. and we take the car keys to bed with us. End of the day your family safety comes first I know if I was in your position I wouldnt think twice about getting rid. Good luck anyway hope it works out for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 [ QUOTE ] and we take the car keys to bed with us. [/ QUOTE ] wouldn't it be best to just leave the keys downstairs and highly visible once in the property ? surely safer for the family in a really bad situation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 I'm not sure that I would allow scumbags to cause me to compromise myself over what car I enjoy driving. In other words I would prefer to do what LeMan has done and also prefer to react violently to an attempt. I know it wouldn't be a sensible way to behave but I know myself well enough to know that I would assess the 'enemy' and act accordingly, come what may. Revo have a system in their remap which disables the car even if someone has the key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac_Terrorist Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Sorry to hear of this - must have been a nasty experience CCTV systems are not that expensive and should be enough to deter an opportunist car thief - Certinly cheaper than taking a loss on your car by selling it on. Don't rush into anything, give it a week or two and consider. The thing is, it's only a golf GTI. It could be exactly the same if it was a BMW or a sporty VX or Focus. Have the police offered any advice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewcwilson Posted November 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 I've often mused on how I would react in this situation. Last night my initial reaction was one of complete disbelief at being face to face with a strange bloke emerging from my kitchen. Once I had taken this in, my next reaction was one of boiling rage. I made the most noise I could and went after him. Unfortunately he knocked over my son's drumkit and so my progress was impeded. I have no doubt if I had caught him I would have absolutely pounded him (i'm a big guy BTW - 6 foot and 17 stone body builder!) The guy probably sh*t himself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 I can understand total why you want to sell and really don't blaim you. I think i would have by now the amount of times its happend to you. Imo it makes you think twice about owning such a car and is it really worth it in this countrys current climate of no policing and no consequence to any criminals actions. If this had happened even once to me i would get rid of the car asap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 ....But what about the resentment that would build up inside you if you got rid of your favourite car just because of some scumbag? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 Sorry family comes first before anything. I could always get something less well known but just as much fun. Or something older not known and very fun. Who ever said change to a BMW i would not advice they go after BMs more than anything from what ive seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 [ QUOTE ] ....But what about the resentment that would build up inside you if you got rid of your favourite car just because of some scumbag? [/ QUOTE ] Pros and Cons Robin. What if a scumbag caused serious injury to you or a loved one over your beloved lump of metal, what would be worse? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewcwilson Posted November 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 You guys are voicing exactly the same thoughts that are in my mind right now. I can live with the fact that this type of vehicle is going to be attractive to thieves say if it were left parked in a dodgy area overnight. However when it is acting as bait to entice potentially dangerous criminals into my home, that is something else entirely and not a risk i'm prepared to exist any longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted November 22, 2006 Report Share Posted November 22, 2006 I was thinking about this last night and what i would do if this had happened to me. I think i would go back to Q cars i used to run years ago, things like the Lancia Thema 2.0 16V turbo debadged, My mk1 GTI badged as a GLS as i did in the mid 90s bad period of GTI theift. Something that does not look anything but is fast and handles ok (handling can always be improved with things like Robins Koni FSD). Its actually more fun having a car that looks nothing special on the outside but shocks people if they try and be funny. So i would prob if looking at new cars look at cars like VW Jetta 2.0T FSI 200PS sport debadged. Audi Sportback debadged or even rebadged as 1.6 SEAT leon FR debadged or badged as lower model. Its the GTI badge and its current magazine run thats causing the problems its the image, Get a car without the image and you don't have the problems. It's like BMWs they have the same problem or highend mercs they will go after them just as much. I have seen this all before in the 90s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted November 22, 2006 Report Share Posted November 22, 2006 [ QUOTE ] SEAT leon FR debadged or badged as lower model. [/ QUOTE ] lol, you really are trying to talk yourself into one of these aren't you geoff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted November 22, 2006 Report Share Posted November 22, 2006 Not the FR did fancy the Cupra but im waiting to see on that. lol. The reason i listed the FR it really does not look much different to the sport and very little different to the 1.6 if you don't spec the bigger wheels. Only real clue is the silver mirror covers but they easy pop off and can be replaced with colour coded or even black plastic ones. Take the badges off and its semi stealth. the Leon FR does not have the image of the Skoda vRS and so does not really attract the wrong attension. Out of the 3 i thought of above the Jetta's prob the most Q car stealth if you can deal with having a saloon car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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