A growing number of vehicles are being targeted for the theft of their detachable parts, especially during the night. Last year alone, 95,300 cars were involved in such crimes in France, where thieves remove components like headlights, bumpers, and exhaust systems. These parts are often sold quickly on second-hand marketplaces, fueling a profitable and organized black market. Both opportunistic thieves and larger criminal networks are involved, with some operations being highly coordinated. One victim, Olivier Gonçalves, awoke at 5 a.m. to find his car's front open, with its headlights and bumper missing. Another resident, Laurence Bernada, discovered her car had been vandalized and now avoids public parking due to the increased risk. In July, a garage in Savoie suffered a major hit when six cars were dismantled in a single night, leading to an estimated loss of 50,000 euros. Thieves often park nearby and quickly remove parts from the front of the vehicle, sometimes within minutes. The appeal of these stolen parts lies in their valuable components. For example, exhaust pipes contain rhodium, a rare metal that is more expensive than gold. This high value has attracted international criminal networks, many of which are based in Eastern Europe. These groups operate with a level of sophistication that makes such thefts difficult to trace and prosecute. Despite strict laws against both stealing and buying stolen parts, the penalties remain severe. Thieves can face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 375,000 euros for receiving stolen goods. However, the demand for these parts continues to drive the illegal trade, prompting concerns among experts and local authorities about the rising trend of vehicle part thefts.