In total, 5,492 cars were stolen in the Netherlands in the first half of 2014, a drop of 5% on the year earlier period, according to the anti-car crime foundation AVc.

New security measures and more intensive cooperation are having an effect, the AVc says.

‘Much quicker reporting of theft internationally, improvements in alarm systems and measures by importers to secure their cars are all contributing to the improving situation,’ AVc director Titus Visser told the Telegraaf.

Volkswagen

Even Volkswagen, for years one of the thieves’ favourite targets, saw thefts drop by a quarter in the first half. ‘They provide buyers with tips on prevention and extra security measures,’ said Visser.

‘They have also initiated the exchange of information between the Dutch police and the manufacturer, whereby a theft is immediately notified to the registration office and Interpol and to the factory.’

Notifying the factory means that if a car is taken to a garage anywhere in the world and attached to a diagnostic machine, a message is sent to Dutch police of its whereabouts.

Ordering spare parts also becomes impossible.