For years, it was Land Rovers that Putney drivers worried about—high-end, keyless-entry SUVs stolen off driveways in the dead of night. But now, a different kind of car is under threat: the humble Fiat 500.
According to the Metropolitan Police, thefts of Fiat 500s are on the rise across Wandsworth and into Kent, and officers believe the stolen cars are being stripped for parts to feed the booming summer motorsport season.
“We have started to see an increase in Fiat 500 thefts across the borough and into Kent,” the Met said in a recent community alert. “It is believed this is due to a demand in spare parts now race season has started—a trend we also noticed last year.”
From Chelsea Tractor to Track-Day Special
Land Rovers, Range Rovers and other premium cars have long been popular with thieves, in part because of their keyless entry systems. Criminals can intercept and clone wireless signals from key fobs using cheap signal-boosting tech. That’s why police and insurers started urging owners to use Faraday pouches to block the signal and old-school steering locks to deter theft.
But while car security has improved and public awareness has grown, the target has shifted—from bulky SUVs to small, nimble cars like the Fiat 500, and especially its high-performance cousin, the Abarth 500.
Why the Fiat 500?
At first glance, the Fiat 500 might not look like a typical getaway vehicle. But its lightweight build, compact size and easy modifiability have made it a favourite among amateur racers and modders who take part in club-level motorsport and weekend track days. The Abarth version in particular is quick, distinctive, and widely supported by aftermarket parts suppliers—making it ideal for circuit use and tuning projects.
Even standard Fiat 500s are useful to the racing community. Their parts—ranging from body panels and wheels to engines and interior fittings—can be swapped into Abarth builds or sold piecemeal to meet demand during the spring and summer race season. For thieves, it’s a car that’s easy to steal, quick to strip, and profitable to move.
From Putney to the Paddock
Brands Hatch, just over an hour from Putney, is one of the UK’s busiest racing venues. It hosts regular track days, modded car showcases, and the popular Festival Italia, where dozens of Abarth 500s can be found roaring around the circuit in early August. Meanwhile, at Lydden Hill further into Kent, small hatchbacks—often heavily modified or stripped-down—are used in rallycross and budget motorsport events. Some have even experimented with electric-converted Fiat 500s, underscoring the car’s growing appeal to racers and tinkerers alike.
It doesn’t take much imagination to see how a car stolen from a quiet street in Putney might end up reborn as a track-day rocket in Kent—if it’s not broken down and sold off piece by piece first.
What Owners Should Do
Police are urging Fiat 500 and Abarth owners to take steps to protect their vehicles. That means making sure cars are properly locked and not left vulnerable to quick-grab thefts. Key fobs should be stored well away from front doors and windows, ideally inside a signal-blocking Faraday pouch. Physical deterrents like steering wheel locks, pedal clamps, and driveway posts can make a huge difference. And installing tracking devices—such as Apple AirTags hidden inside the vehicle—can help with recovery if the worst does happen.
Parking in a garage or well-lit, secure area is strongly advised. And even the number plates can be a target—police recommend securing them with tamper-proof screws to prevent them being stolen and used to clone vehicles or dodge ANPR cameras.
A New Type of Risk
Putney drivers are no strangers to car crime—but this shift in focus is a reminder that it’s not just luxury SUVs at risk anymore. Even small city cars can be valuable on the black market—especially when race season heats up.
So if you’re lucky enough to drive a Fiat 500, keep it close, lock it tight—and don’t let it end up racing around Brands Hatch without you.
