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Vandals target expensive vehicles in 'envy attacks'
Peter Dominiczak29.10.09
Expensive cars in the capital are being damaged by vandals envious of their owners' apparent wealth as recession widens the gap between rich and poor, new figures show.
The statistics reveal that cars including Porsches, BMWs and Aston Martins are regularly being targeted by vandals in central London.
The survey showed that expensive cars are three times more likely to be maliciously damaged than average-priced vehicles.
Eight London postcodes are in the top 10 areas where the highest number of vandalism attacks take place.
BMW's Z3 two-seater sports car which costs up to £36,000 is the model most frequently vandalised followed by Chrysler's Crossfire convertible, priced £35,000.
The Porsche Cayenne off-roader, priced up to £89,000, is the next most at-risk vehicle. Older cars such as the original Austin Mini, Land Rovers and a Ford Sierra are least likely to be vandalised.
The risk ratings are based on 25,000 malicious damage claims submitted over the past five years to online motor insurer elephant.co.uk
The insurer's managing director, Brian Martin, said: "Sadly, some people are jealous of those who drive expensive cars so it could be that luxury cars are targeted because of old-fashioned envy."
Reader views (5)
I had to, yet again, get a 'crime number' from the Police so I might claim for vandalism to my car. The Police officer remarked to me about why I would have a car like that, living in an area like I did. I took notice of his good advice and moved to Denmark. Not had so much as a scratch on my car since.
- Threaded, Roskilde, Denmark
You catch them and give them an hiding and your charged not them, One of the main reasons I left the UK 9yrs ago, Legal system soft on crime thanks to Blair & Brown NEW LABOUR
- Alan Galvin, Perth, the Aussie one
Shouldn't people be asking why the less expensive ones are being vandalised too? Envy can go all the way down the scale, relative to the poverty level of the vandals, surely?
Vandals don't think in regular terms of reference. They don't see beyond the immediate gratification of doing something just because they can. The excuses and rationalizations almost invariably come AFTER the fact (frequently 'suggested' by their lawyers).
Blaming it all on pre-existing envy, certainly one of many available reasons agreed, is in my opinion just an attempt to apply logic to an illogical act.
- Rogan, Irving
You have it, I dont, so I must ruin it for you.
Almost the Labour party manifesto.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
Another legacy of Bliar's Britain.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one
