Latest news with #PorscheCayenne
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
YouTube star has £30k Porsche stolen by crooks who used it as battering ram in brazen petrol station raid
A LUXURY Porsche was used as a battering ram by crooks in a brazen raid on a petrol station - just minutes after it was stolen from an MOT centre. The SUV, which belongs to used car dealer Joe Betty - known for his YouTube channel 3 YouTube star Joe Betty, known for his channel Shifting Metal, had his Porsche Cayenne stolen from an MOT centre Credit: YouTube 3 The luxury SUV was used by crooks as a battering ram in a raid on a petrol station Credit: YouTube 3 A gang of men were filmed on CCTV breaking into a garage and taking off with the Cayenne Credit: YouTube According to Both cars were then driven to an Asda petrol station, where they were used as battering rams in an attempt to get inside. The Porsche, a high-end, V8 S Tiptronic S model from 2015 that's typically priced between £15,000 to £30,000, was purchased by Betty just days before the incident. He'd even lined up a buyer for it and had taken a deposit when he'd sent it for an MOT test. Read more Motors News He said: 'I bought it from an auction on the Monday, we drove it back on the same day and incredibly it was one of those rare occasions in the motor trade where we'd taken a deposit and it was ready to go out when it was stolen on the Thursday night. 'We phoned the customer that morning, just letting them know. 'They are still trying to buy another car from us but it's finding the right car for them now, because it was a very nice spec model and had all the right things they wanted. 'I haven't seen it as it's currently at a recovery yard and I'm waiting to see what happens with the MOT centre and insurance. Most read in Motors 'From what I could see [at the petrol station], it looked like it had lost engine oil. "Some rumours I'd heard from a couple of different places was that it was left running. Watch moment car thief boy, 9, sneaks into uninsured £135k PORSCHE to go on daring joyride - but it doesn't end well 'If that's the case then the engine will be no good anymore. 'The back end of the car I haven't seen unfortunately, because the last time I saw it had an Asda Express parked on it but I can't imagine it's great. 'I think it would probably be salvageable if it weren't for the engine. It would certainly be thousands of pounds of work, I would guess.' The damage occurred when the crooks reversed the Porsche into the main entrance of the store, before seemingly getting it stuck on a metal pillar. Meanwhile, the Ford was smashed into a smaller unit outside the store. The group later escaped the scene in a getaway vehicle which was on false plates. According to Betty, police took DNA evidence at the scene, but he doubts the gang will be found. He added: 'I think in the motor trade you kind of just get used to these weird and wonderful problems that you have. 'I'm quite nonchalant about it at the moment but I imagine, as it drags on and is just trickling in the background, it get more upsetting. 'It has made us think about our own security, I guess. 'We've had someone try to steal a car from the forecourt before. They smashed the window of a Fiesta ST, but set the alarm off and ran away but that's about it, really. 'We've been quite lucky up until now, in a sense but this has definitely tipped the scale. 'The police are working on it, but other than perhaps getting some DNA, which they've taken swabs from the scene, I don't think they've got much to go on, because everyone was wearing masks and the getaway car was on cloned plates. 'The footage that we had of them cutting into the MOT centre, they were so nonchalant about it that I think this is not their first rodeo. 'They've done it before and I don't think there's much hope of conviction coming to be honest.' A spokesperson for Somerset and Avon Police said: ''At 3.44am on Friday 23 May we received a report of a group of men trying to force entry to a building off the A371 in Locking. 'Officers arrived five minutes later and found the group had left the area after damaging the building. 'Officers carried out a search of the area, supported by a specialist dog team, but no one was located. 'A black Porsche Cayenne and a grey Ford S-Max were found damaged at the scene. Both vehicles are believed to have been stolen during a burglary in Commerce Way, Highbridge earlier in the night. 'The group of men are believed to have left the area in a blue Audi Q5. They were wearing black clothing and balaclavas. 'Our investigation to identify them is ongoing. 'Anyone with information is asked to call 101, using the reference number 5225143650.'
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
YouTube star has £30k Porsche stolen by crooks who used it as battering ram in brazen petrol station raid
"It would certainly be thousands of pounds of work, I would guess" RAM RAID YouTube star has £30k Porsche stolen by crooks who used it as battering ram in brazen petrol station raid Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LUXURY Porsche was used as a battering ram by crooks in a brazen raid on a petrol station - just minutes after it was stolen from an MOT centre. The SUV, which belongs to used car dealer Joe Betty - known for his YouTube channel Shifting Metal - was stolen from a site in Highbridge, Somerset, and then used in a ram raid on a nearby Asda. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 YouTube star Joe Betty, known for his channel Shifting Metal, had his Porsche Cayenne stolen from an MOT centre Credit: YouTube 3 The luxury SUV was used by crooks as a battering ram in a raid on a petrol station Credit: YouTube 3 A gang of men were filmed on CCTV breaking into a garage and taking off with the Cayenne Credit: YouTube According to Car Dealer Mag, a group of men broke into the garage and took off with the Cayenne, as well as a Ford S-Max. Both cars were then driven to an Asda petrol station, where they were used as battering rams in an attempt to get inside. The Porsche, a high-end, V8 S Tiptronic S model from 2015 that's typically priced between £15,000 to £30,000, was purchased by Betty just days before the incident. He'd even lined up a buyer for it and had taken a deposit when he'd sent it for an MOT test. He said: 'I bought it from an auction on the Monday, we drove it back on the same day and incredibly it was one of those rare occasions in the motor trade where we'd taken a deposit and it was ready to go out when it was stolen on the Thursday night. 'We phoned the customer that morning, just letting them know. 'They are still trying to buy another car from us but it's finding the right car for them now, because it was a very nice spec model and had all the right things they wanted. 'I haven't seen it as it's currently at a recovery yard and I'm waiting to see what happens with the MOT centre and insurance. 'From what I could see [at the petrol station], it looked like it had lost engine oil. "Some rumours I'd heard from a couple of different places was that it was left running. Watch moment car thief boy, 9, sneaks into uninsured £135k PORSCHE to go on daring joyride - but it doesn't end well 'If that's the case then the engine will be no good anymore. 'The back end of the car I haven't seen unfortunately, because the last time I saw it had an Asda Express parked on it but I can't imagine it's great. 'I think it would probably be salvageable if it weren't for the engine. It would certainly be thousands of pounds of work, I would guess.' The damage occurred when the crooks reversed the Porsche into the main entrance of the store, before seemingly getting it stuck on a metal pillar. Meanwhile, the Ford was smashed into a smaller unit outside the store. The group later escaped the scene in a getaway vehicle which was on false plates. According to Betty, police took DNA evidence at the scene, but he doubts the gang will be found. He added: 'I think in the motor trade you kind of just get used to these weird and wonderful problems that you have. 'I'm quite nonchalant about it at the moment but I imagine, as it drags on and is just trickling in the background, it get more upsetting. 'It has made us think about our own security, I guess. 'We've had someone try to steal a car from the forecourt before. They smashed the window of a Fiesta ST, but set the alarm off and ran away but that's about it, really. 'We've been quite lucky up until now, in a sense but this has definitely tipped the scale. 'The police are working on it, but other than perhaps getting some DNA, which they've taken swabs from the scene, I don't think they've got much to go on, because everyone was wearing masks and the getaway car was on cloned plates. 'The footage that we had of them cutting into the MOT centre, they were so nonchalant about it that I think this is not their first rodeo. 'They've done it before and I don't think there's much hope of conviction coming to be honest.' A spokesperson for Somerset and Avon Police said: ''At 3.44am on Friday 23 May we received a report of a group of men trying to force entry to a building off the A371 in Locking. 'Officers arrived five minutes later and found the group had left the area after damaging the building. 'Officers carried out a search of the area, supported by a specialist dog team, but no one was located. 'A black Porsche Cayenne and a grey Ford S-Max were found damaged at the scene. Both vehicles are believed to have been stolen during a burglary in Commerce Way, Highbridge earlier in the night. 'The group of men are believed to have left the area in a blue Audi Q5. They were wearing black clothing and balaclavas. 'Our investigation to identify them is ongoing. 'Anyone with information is asked to call 101, using the reference number 5225143650.'
News18
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- News18
No Property, No Bank Account: How Does Premanand Maharaj Switch Luxury Cars Daily?
Last Updated: From Land Rover Defender, Porsche Cayenne to Toyota Fortuner Legender, Audi Q3 and Skoda Kodiaq, the luxury cars chauffeuring Premanand Maharaj around Vrindavan amaze many devotees Premanand Maharaj, the director of Radha Kelikunj in Vrindavan, has become a figure of unique fame—not just for his spiritual teachings, but for his striking daily commute. Though he reportedly owns no property, holds any bank account, and claims not to accept money from anyone, the saint is regularly seen travelling in luxury cars worth crores. From a Land Rover Defender and Porsche Cayenne to a Toyota Fortuner Legender, Audi Q3, and Skoda Kodiaq, the fleet of high-end vehicles that ferry him around Vrindavan has left many devotees and onlookers stunned. Every day, thousands line up along the route from his residence to the Radha Kelikunj Ashram, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. The mystery surrounding how he gains access to such an impressive range of cars despite having no financial assets continues to intrigue many. Premanand Maharaj is also renowned for his nightly foot pilgrimages, drawing devotees who gather as early as 2 am from far and wide to catch a glimpse of him. After completing his walks, he leaves in his car, with followers lining the streets even late into the night. Reports indicate that Premanand Maharaj begins his day by chanting Radha's name, eats a simple meal of half a roti with sabzi, and rests for three hours in the afternoon. Despite both his kidneys being damaged, he remains dedicated to his spiritual routine and followers. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has also reportedly visited his ashram to meet him. Over the years, several well-nown personalities and prominent saints have sought his blessings. First Published: May 26, 2025, 09:28 IST
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ram-raiders dump Porsche used to smash shop
A luxury car was used to smash into a shop in a ram-raid and then abandoned at the scene by a group of men wearing balaclavas. Police were called to reports of a group of men trying to force entry at an Asda Express petrol station off the A371 in Locking, near Weston-super-Mare, at 03:44 BST. Officers arrived five minutes later and found the group had fled from the area after damaging the building. A black Porsche Cayenne and a grey Ford S-Max were found at the scene. The men, wearing black clothing and balaclavas, are believed to have left in a blue Audi Q5, Avon and Somerset Police said. Officers carried out a search of the area, supported by a specialist dog team, but no-one was located. "An investigation is under way and CCTV has been reviewed as part of this work," a police spokesperson said. "A cordon is in place to allow crime scene investigators to examine the area." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Avon and Somerset Police
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Car shaming is real: What to do if someone criticizes your gas-powered vehicle
Car shaming is real: What to do if someone criticizes your gas-powered vehicle Show Caption Hide Caption Tech for travel: Get help finding a rental car, campsite Planning a summer vacation? These apps and sites can help you find a car or RV rental, available campsites and info on your destination's mask rules. Jennifer Jolly, Special to USA TODAY Car shaming, the act of criticizing others for driving gas-powered vehicles, is on the rise amidst growing environmental concerns and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. While some car shaming incidents involve vandalism, most consist of verbal confrontations fueled by differing opinions on vehicle choices. Experts suggest responding to car shamers with grace, deflecting criticism by showing interest in their EV experiences, and avoiding escalating the confrontation. There's nothing like a road trip this summer – if you can get past the shame of it. Shame? Yeah, the shame of driving a gas-powered vehicle. "Car-shamers want everyone to buy an EV," said Matt Deter, who works for an industrial machinery company in Rocklin, California. Deter, who drives a gas-powered Porsche Cayenne, is put off by efforts to ban gas vehicles in California. He said EV technology isn't quite ready for prime time. He is also troubled by activists and EV drivers who call out people who continue to drive cheaper and more reliable gas cars. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! It's as if they're trying to turn one of the great American traditions, the summer road trip, into a guilt trip. And this summer, driving vacations have never been more popular. AAA predicts a record 34.9 million drivers will be on the road this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 3% from last year. But what is car shaming, and why is it happening this summer? Also, what should you do if someone tries to car-shame you? Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here's what to do about it. Will this be the summer of car shaming? Car shaming is as old as modern electric vehicles – and probably older. "Car shaming often comes from growing social pressure and shifting views on sustainability," explained Carla Bevins, who teaches business management communication at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. "As more people become aware of environmental issues, some feel strongly about encouraging greener choices, which can sometimes result in criticizing others' decisions." Before EVs, car shaming was more of a "tsk-tsk" attitude dished out by a nosy neighbor or your in-law. ("Do you really need that much car?") But with the advent of EVs, it acquired more of an edge. Car shaming hit an inflection point in 2022, when a group of Gen Z activists calling themselves the Tyre Extinguishers began deflating the tires of SUVs with the goal of making it impossible to own "a huge polluting 4x4 in the world's urban areas." Lately, it has taken to spray-painting the SUVs. Car shaming became more complicated this year as Tesla CEO Elon Musk took on a more political role in the U.S. However, even as Tesla fell out of favor with some drivers, the fundamentals of car shaming remained. No one systematically tracks the number of car-shaming incidents. But anecdotal evidence suggests there have been more flare-ups in recent years, as environmentally minded EV owners square off against more traditional motorists at gas stations and in parking lots. Anyone driving a large vehicle like an SUV or a specialty vehicle seems most vulnerable to being shamed. Why is car shaming happening? People are quick to judge, said psychology professor Thomas Plante. That's happening more in a polarized political climate. Gas-guzzling pickup trucks are emblematic of red states; overpriced EVs are icons of blue states. (And never mind that the guy who made EVs a household word is himself, well, not a blue stater. But I digress.) "Also, people always look for ways to justify their own behavior," he added. "And so if someone buys an EV, for example – and perhaps spends time and extra money to do so – then they want to justify their own decision by criticizing others who made a different decision." So, there's a lot behind car shaming. It's politics. It's money. But what about the environment? What's it like to be car-shamed? In case it's never happened to you, here's what car shaming is like: Last summer, Stephanie Edenburgh was driving her Toyota Highlander in San Diego, where she runs a small publishing company. Another customer looked at her SUV and noticed the kids in the back. "Don't you care about your kids' future?" the customer asked. Edenburgh said nothing. Mushfiq Sarker drives a Honda Civic, and he also experienced car shaming. "Last month, I posted some photos on Instagram from a road trip," recalled Sarker, the CEO of a digital marketing agency in Dallas. "My Civic was parked by a scenic overlook, and I thought it was a fun moment to share. Shortly after, someone commented, 'Why are you still driving gas?" At first, he dismissed the comment. But then he started to wonder. Are gas vehicles not good enough for summer road trips? "I think car shaming is becoming more common because EVs are seen as a moral choice, not just a practical one," Edenburgh told me. "With the rise in EV sales and their increasing affordability, there's a growing expectation that everyone should switch to one. However, this mindset can ignore the fact that many families, like mine, need larger vehicles or can't yet afford an EV." How to handle a car shamer Car shamers come in several varieties. Let's start with the easy ones. If you see someone trying to deflate your tires or spray paint your car, call the police. But if someone confronts you about driving a gas-powered vehicle, here's what you can do: Be gracious : Many car-shamers feel they're performing a valuable public service by calling out polluters. Unfortunately, they fail to take into account the personal circumstances of the person driving a gas-powered vehicle. (Mostly, EVs are more expensive and often impractical because of range limitations and lack of charging infrastructure.) Still, it's worth thanking them for the feedback, however misguided. : Many car-shamers feel they're performing a valuable public service by calling out polluters. Unfortunately, they fail to take into account the personal circumstances of the person driving a gas-powered vehicle. (Mostly, EVs are more expensive and often impractical because of range limitations and lack of charging infrastructure.) Still, it's worth thanking them for the feedback, however misguided. Deflect the criticism : Usually, car shamers feel they have the right to wag their fingers at you because they think they've made a superior choice in transportation. So play along. Ask them how they get around. What's it like to drive an EV? Chances are, they'll want to tell you, and you can avoid an argument. : Usually, car shamers feel they have the right to wag their fingers at you because they think they've made a superior choice in transportation. So play along. Ask them how they get around. What's it like to drive an EV? Chances are, they'll want to tell you, and you can avoid an argument. Don't get into a fight : Plante, who teaches psychology at Santa Clara University, said there's no need to escalate a confrontation by defending your choice to drive a gas-powered car. "Instead, respond with respect and compassion," he said. That means thanking them for the feedback – and then driving away. : Plante, who teaches psychology at Santa Clara University, said there's no need to escalate a confrontation by defending your choice to drive a gas-powered car. "Instead, respond with respect and compassion," he said. That means thanking them for the feedback – and then driving away. I'll switch when I'm good and ready I know what you're thinking: What about you, wiseguy? Do you drive an EV? Actually, no. As a travel journalist who is on the road almost constantly, I don't even own a car. I take whatever transportation is available at the time, whether it's a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap or a gondola in Venice. I love road trips, and when I go on them, I rent the best car for the drive. Until now, that's always been one with an internal combustion engine. I'd like to see that change, and I think we're near an inflection point where it could change – and maybe where it should change. But deflating my tires and defacing my car won't speed up the change, nor will shaming me. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
