Ecuador, car theft figures for 2009, 2010

Vehicle and parts thefts are a persistent problem in Ecuador. In Quito there are four areas where chop shops operate. Police indicate there are four known operators with two in the north, one in the center of Quito, and one in the south of the city. Chop shops disguise themselves as garages. There are gangs that exclusively focus on stealing vehicles. In most cases criminals who steal parts work alone and not as a gang. Radios, hubcaps, tires, onboard computers, and distributors are often targeted. Police intelligence per the newspaper El Comercio indicate a thief takes about 2.5 minutes to steal a radio froma vehicle.

Many stolen parts are acquired by customers via intermediaries who work for stolen part thieves in the south of Quito. The major areas are El Camal, Solanda, La Mena y Chillogallo. Many dealers in stolen parts work undercover of apparent legal operations of legal products. Often the customer will place an order with a down payment and return at a later time for the stolen merchandise.

Car Thefts Ecuador 2009 and 2010 by province

Pichincha – 2,354, 2,285
Guayas – 781, 856
Tungurahua – 173, 263
Imbabura – 134, 201
Azuay – 187, 200
Chimborazo – 117, 144
Cotopaxi – 96, 101
Loja – 40, 85
Santa Elena – 34, 53
El Oro – 42, 47
Los Rios 25, 45
Canar 33, 40
Carchi 10, 25
Esmeraldas – 25, 26
Other – 70,71 – Source – Policia Judicial