An organized crime ring of car thieves are stealing luxury cars in Sweden. Since July of this year more than 40 cars have been stolen - in Stockholm alone, the police says. The cars that are stolen are all luxury cars that cost between SEK 500.000 up to SEK 1.000.000. Because of these high prices these are not usual Swedes that can afford them so most owners are celebrities or CEOs.
Among the ones who has had their cars stolen are Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. Björn owned a Lexus 600 and Benny had a Porsche Cayenne. The police suspects that the stolen cars end up in Russia with new, false documents.
The moment that I read this artilcle, I thought of the Deep Purple Song Higway Star, I think it's a shame that after all of the hard work these guys have done, that they can't be left alone. I know there's insurance, but, speaking from personal experience it's as close a thing the male psyche can come to comprehending rape, as in my opinion it is to be a victim of theft. I personally have more empathy for a murderer, than a thief. I don't agree with it but, I understand it more. TO me, there is no excuse for stealing. These guys are the ones that have given me the most joy, besides the Beatles. So, to steal from them is actually to my mind is to steal from us all.
Posted by: Thomas Wilson | 10 November 2009 at 14:25
Incendiary comment, Thomas! I'm sure you meant no offence but theft - no matter what was stolen - ranks lightyears below the vileness of rape.
Posted by: Tony | 10 November 2009 at 15:09
Tony,
Let me help you land the plane. I said that if there was one thing, that came close to understanding rape, "to the male psyche," it would be theft. Are you with me now? Or do I need to "break it down, futher for you, Old Chap?
Posted by: Thomas Wilson | 10 November 2009 at 15:54
As a possessor of a "male psyche," I still find the comparison outrageously inappropriate. I believe that rape survivors - both female and male - might find it equally so. However, I will take your patronising offer to "break it down further, Old Chap" in the hopes that you might actually help me understand your point of view.
Posted by: Tony | 10 November 2009 at 16:15
I understand it all, and i am a young woman at age 36, cars are always stolen, but its a huge deal to these wonderful and talented men, cars like what they saved up to have as a wonderful luxury is a tradegty to have stolen.
Posted by: Jennifer Mauldin | 10 November 2009 at 19:10
its a huge deal for ordinary, broke people to have their cars stolen...B&B can buy new ones in a heartbeat...its surely annoying but definately not a tragedy
Posted by: jes | 10 November 2009 at 19:45
OMG) Pure Benny & Bjorn)
Posted by: Helen | 10 November 2009 at 20:14
I agree with Jes. Cars come and go. I will comment however, that Benny's pants are a little high for him to be shirtless. Cool guitar though. I love it. All in all, good pic.
Posted by: Carrie | 10 November 2009 at 23:17
When a person is definitely obdurate, in a conclusion they've arrived at, there's no use trying to reason with them, perhaps, it would have helped to have left out any quasisexual overtones, that one could misconstrue if one was determined to do so. But, with that being said, let anyone tell me, that they, if they had the same rewards for the sort of work that had been done, for the delection of all people, wouldn't mind if their house was ransacked, things of inestimable value were taken from you. Say the car(s) in this instance were a gift from a person held in high regard, say King Carl Gustav, try and tell me it wouldn't be the most emotionally wrenching thing that they'd experience? A violation of your property, may not qualify as the same emotional trauma,as a violation of your person. But, if anyone can tell me "Oh well, their rich, they can take it." What if it happened, repeatedly, then tell me that it's alright. A person capable of theft on this scale, is capable of anything including rapine- the old definition was pillaging, and including the abusing of a persons nearest kin. Now perhaps my point is more accurate to the point that it won't be misconstrued. IF a person is victimized at this level, then they could see how anyone that was in the way,at home, could have the same treatment that was wrongly inferred that I intended in a malevolent way.
Posted by: Thomas Wilson | 10 November 2009 at 23:24
Hell, I WISH someone would steal my car. LOL! I've tried leaving the keys in it with the car running, windows open in a bad part of town and nothing. Still have the same car! Anyone want a 2007 Pontiac Torrent?
Posted by: Carrie | 10 November 2009 at 23:37
It is a shame that this has happened to the guys and to other people in the world. It doesn't matter that they can go out and replace their car it is a tragedy that this has happened.
Posted by: Monica | 11 November 2009 at 00:41
Here's a clip of Björn driving around in his Lexus from this past summer:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2009/09/02/mcml.bjorn.stockholm.bk.a.cnn
Posted by: Peter James | 11 November 2009 at 01:52
I notice Benny can afford shirts nowadays, too.
Posted by: mikespeir | 11 November 2009 at 17:01