There’s very little more gut-wrenching than realising your dub isn’t where you left it. It’s not something we’d want anyone to go through. Unfortunately, though, it does happen. This is why the Stolen VW Register exists, with its goal of reuniting as many dubbers with their VWs as possible, using the amazing community spirit of the VW scene.
By sharing details of thefts on social media in the hours – sometimes even minutes – after they’ve happened, the register spreads the word in the hope of discovering vehicles before they get lost forever. The register has a Facebook page and group, where the details and pictures of stolen (mainly classic) VWs are posted, and from there the amazing register community shares the details far and wide, to as many friends, clubs, forums and businesses as they can.
The register is not a business, so funding its promotion can only happen with your help. Get in touch if you know a business that would like to become a sponsor, or simply buy a Stolen VW Register sticker (all profits go into boosting posts on Facebook and promoting the register’s work elsewhere). Put one of these on your vdub and thieves will be all too aware that your car will be across the internet in a matter of minutes after they’ve taken it!
“The Stolen VW Register was founded from an idea of how to find a solution to a theft of a friends beloved VW Beetle,” says founder of the register, Doug Harwood. “The theft, and the potential for never having the car returned, had me thinking about what could be done above and beyond that of the police to help find and secure the return of fellow dubbers’ prides and joys.”
Inspired by the efforts of the police in the states, sharing info about missing people on things like milk cartons distributed around the local area, the Stolen VW Register was born. And yes, in case you’re wondering, that Beetle was found – along with a whole vehicle theft ring – and is still with its owner today.
Another one of the more memorable recoveries that the register has been responsible for was that of a Type 2 Bay Window’s. It had disappeared from its owner’s driveway a matter of days after returning from a full restoration (during which time its keys had gone missing), and was spotted by a register member a couple of days later. The number plate was different, but the member was convinced it was the same camper because of a distinctive sticker in its window.
The member contacted Doug, who then contacted the police as well as the owner, the latter then immediately driving the hour or so from her home to Romford, where the camper was. The individual who spotted the camper waited within eyesight of it until everyone turned up, and the police allowed the owner to drive it home while they started to carry out their investigation. Job done!
Of course, there are ways of preventing vehicle thefts from happening, with good car security and anti-theft measures. We’ve written some really in-depth guides on everything you need to know in order to keep your vdub yours. Not only that, but the register attends shows throughout the season, raising awareness and are able to offer some great products with big discounts to members.
Support your fellow vdubbers in their time of need, by registering to receive email alerts of stolen VWs.
The articles below offer some helpful hints and tips to help reduce the risk of your beloved vdub being stolen and increasing the likelihood of a recovery if the worst should happen.
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