SA insurers sound alarm amid big spike in theft of pricey cars with keyless entry

An increased spate in the theft of keyless-entry vehicles has left some local insurers scrambling for solutions. And, the companies say, while it was previously common for thieves to steal unoccupied stationary vehicles, their modus operandi is becoming more sophisticated - and potentially more dangerous for victims.

According to South Africa's biggest short-term insurers, OUTsurance and Santam, criminals are on the loose stealing high-end keyless-entry cars.

"More recently, we've had quite elevated theft of vehicles compared to a year or so ago. Expensive vehicles with keyless-go are stolen a lot," said OUTsurance CEO, Marthinus Visser, during a recent media engagement.