VAG RNS510 sat nav theft - the latest?

[Romanchariotrace]

I've seen a decent deal on a new VW, however I'm put off a bit because it comes with the latest Discovery sat Nav system which seems to use the latest RNS 510 type all in one unit. There has been a spate of thefts of these - particularly a few years back.

Does anyone know if VW has done anything to make these less attractive to thieves or nickable on the latest models? I live in an area where they were targeted before, and don't want a car that keeps getting broken into!

[SuperchargedVR6]

They were targeting VAGs with the 'shark fin' roof aerial, which is a big give away. Ask if it's possible to retro fit a bee sting radio aerial and use the nav's internal GPS sensor instead (it's on a fly-lead and sits above the HVAC system).

[daydotz]

Aren't these new units are coded to car and are useless unless you get a authorised dealer to link it to the car

[fatboy b]

We've just bought a Golf cabriolet with this satnav. The aerial is in the front windscreen.

[va1o]

I'm fairly certain the latest Mk7 style head units (Discover Nav etc.) are much more difficult to steal due to 'Component protection'. So unlike their predecessor they won't work if put in another car as they're hard coded to the VIN.

[Thebantamboy]

This is still a problem. I have a brand new VW with the 510 sat nav and it was ripped out in a smash and grab raid a few weeks ago causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. It is true that the units are coded but it is a component in the units that the thieves are after - hence the damage they cause ripping it out. I have spoken to various people within VW but understanderbly they are playing it down. When mine was done, 6 other VWs were done within a 1 mile radius. This is s Europe-wide problem. It has put me off owning another VW.

[Defcon5]

Doesn't matter it it needs to be coded to the ECU, the theives or subsequent handlers of the goods will have the equipment needed to do this.

[ashleyman]

Thebantamboy said:

This is still a problem. I have a brand new VW with the 510 sat nav and it was ripped out in a smash and grab raid a few weeks ago causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. It is true that the units are coded but it is a component in the units that the thieves are after - hence the damage they cause ripping it out. I have spoken to various people within VW but understanderbly they are playing it down. When mine was done, 6 other VWs were done within a 1 mile radius. This is s Europe-wide problem. It has put me off owning another VW.

Do you know what specific component they are after?

[Esseesse]

I was looking to buy an RNS510. Didn't know stealing head units was a thing any more.

[jtownend7]

For anyone reading this thread from a Google search as I was.. I can confirm that this is still a thing. Built in RNS 510 stolen & £1000 worth of damage to go with it.

[Chimpeh]

Had mine stolen from a 2011 Scirocco this month, in broad daylight at a busy shopping centre in leeds. Just had the quote from the garage its costing £4,800

[Alucidnation]

Component protection should make the stolen units un-useable, as this can only be removed at a dealer with ODIS.

However, i am sure there are a few dodgy VW mechanics that can do this for a few quid.

You only have to look on Facebook to see various 'items' up for sale, especially in model specific members only owners groups.

But as asked before, what part of the unit are they after?

[MDMA .]

Alucidnation said:

Component protection should make the stolen units un-useable, as this can only be removed at a dealer with ODIS.

However, i am sure there are a few dodgy VW mechanics that can do this for a few quid.

You only have to look on Facebook to see various 'items' up for sale, especially in model specific members only owners groups.

But as asked before, what part of the unit are they after?

Just stolen to sell on. Years ago, people thought that the satellite receiver chip that was inside them could be fitted to a Sky box for FOC Sky TV.

[cmonbilly]

Holy thread resurrection...

But with good reason. I’m looking at buying a VW T6 or T6.1 and I’m wondering - are people still nicking these sat Nav units? I think the T6 came with the Discover unit, which is the one I seem to remember was always being nicked.

Does anyone know - Have VW sorted this issue (theft) with the newer unit in the T6.1 - ie the latest composition / discover / discover pro units? I’ve not heard much about theft of these in a while.

Alternatively is there a good retrofittable alternative with a removable screen that would deter thieving scumbags?

[Dr G]

In newer stuff the screen is just a screen, it also requires the media unit in the glovebox to work, and is much harder (although not impossible) to use without correct coding and activation.

Whilst anything can be stolen, these are harder to pinch and less useful as a pinched item.

The "COMPONENT PROTECTION REMOVED" units on Facebook Marketplace etc. are very likely just this.