Thefts of old cars are on the rise in Paphos: parts are going to the “black market” of spare components

In Paphos, thefts of old cars and already damaged vehicles have significantly increased over the past year. Police and local experts link this to a shortage of affordable used spare parts and a growing demand for low-cost repairs: original parts are expensive, while used ones are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Against this backdrop, individuals buying or stealing old cars for dismantling have become more active.

According to local residents and repair shops, stolen cars often “disappear” not whole but in pieces: headlights, bumpers and other components are removed and then end up on the unofficial spare-parts market. In one district of central Paphos, two cars disappeared in a single night; in another case, an owner returned to a vehicle left in a parking lot and found it virtually torn apart — most of its parts had already been removed.

Authorities urge owners of older vehicles to be more cautious: avoid leaving cars unattended for long periods, choose well-lit and guarded parking areas, and install additional security measures. Police are expected to increase patrols in areas where such thefts are most frequently reported.