More than 14,000 cars stolen in Germany last year

(Patria) - More than 14,000 cars were stolen in Germany last year, with total damages exceeding 293 million euros.

Data from the latest statistics of the German Insurance Association (GDV) show that the number of thefts decreased by three percent compared to 2023, but the risk remains high, with an average of almost 40 vehicles disappearing from streets and parking lots daily.

The most frequent targets are not cheap city cars, but SUVs and premium class models. Toyota is particularly targeted - as many as four of its models are among the ten most frequently stolen.

The situation is most dangerous for owners of Land Cruisers, and high on the list are also Lexus NX and UX, as well as Toyota RAV4. This has made the Japanese manufacturer synonymous with a lucrative business in the black market for spare parts and resale, reports Autoklub.

However, other attractive models follow Toyota. Chrysler Grand Cherokee, Kia Stinger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Audi Q7 are also frequently stolen, and among the more luxurious models, the Porsche 911 stands out.

Although the number of thefts of this model is not high, the average damage value exceeds 100,000 euros per vehicle and is the highest in the entire statistics. On average, each theft costs insurers around 20,700 euros.

Regional differences are huge. Berlin remains the infamous capital of thefts, with almost 3,900 stolen cars, or more than every fourth case in Germany.

Drivers there live with a risk of as many as 39 thefts per 10,000 insured vehicles, far more than in other federal states.

A decade after mass thieves filled the statistics with vehicles like the Golf or Passat, theft statistics clearly show a change in trends. Today, the most desirable SUVs and hybrids are targeted.

The situation in Croatia is significantly more favorable than in Germany or other large countries. According to MUP data, in recent years, an average of about 200 to 300 stolen cars have been recorded annually, which is significantly less than in Central European countries.

The most frequent targets for thieves are older and less protected models, while luxury SUVs are only occasionally targeted by organized groups who most often try to smuggle them across the border.

Thanks to better border control and a smaller market for illegal resale of parts, Croatia continues to be among the safer places for car owners.