Someone’s helped themselves to a Raptor R before production even started.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Ford introduced the much-awaited F-150 Raptor R to the world. Powered by the supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V8, the 700-horsepower truck is sure to be in great demand – despite the eye-watering $109,145 asking price. Not keen on waiting – or forking over that much cash – it seems a member of the criminal classes has already helped themselves to a Raptor R, stealing it straight out of Ford’s Dearborn lot.
According to local reports, an example of the high-performance truck – which is yet to enter production – was taken from the same lot that has seen a spate of vehicle thefts in recent months. According to those close to the matter, the Raptor R was destined to be sent to a Ford development facility before being stolen from the manufacturer’s lot on Miller Rd, Dearborn.
Ford
This latest incident follows a spate of car thefts from the seemingly unsecure lot. In June, more than a dozen F-150 Raptors, valued at over $1 million, were stolen at the same facility. While most of the Raptors have since been recovered, you have to wonder what’s going on with Ford’s security. After all, these are highly valuable vehicles and you’d think the Blue Oval would want to keep them safe – especially if they’re destined for eager customers.
And it’s not just pickup trucks that are being targeted, either. A handful of Shelby Mustang GT500s were illegally appropriated in December 2021. To add insult to injury, it happened again in July this year. Currently, the total number of stolen GT500s stands at around 10 or 11. Priced from $79,420, the total loss from these two incidents alone totals at least $794,200.
The F-150 Raptor, in particular, is a high-demand vehicle. Unfortunate occurrences such as this certainly won’t help Ford meet customer demand, as it’s very unlikely that these stolen examples can be sold as new vehicles. While the Blue Oval has been targeted several times over the past few months, it’s not the only automaker to be dealt a bad hand.
In May, General Motors suffered a setback when five brand new Camaros were pilfered from Chevy’s Lansing plant. Shortly after the five suspects stole the muscle cars (including some ZL1s), police apprehended the alleged car thieves but, for the Camaros, it was too late. All five left the road and were wrecked.
It’s not a great look for either brand and it’s bizarre that, after so many successful attempts, this is still happening. Hopefully, this is the first and last Raptor R to be stolen from Ford.
