Car theft is a widespread crime in many parts of the world, and Germany is no exception. Thousands of cars were stolen in 2022, and most of these thefts involved passenger cars. Among the stolen cars, there are 30 particularly popular models that are highly sought after by car thieves.
Although automakers are incorporating more and more security features into their cars, car thieves are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to circumvent these security systems. For this reason, it is important that motorists protect their vehicles by locking them well when not in use and installing GPS trackers.
The following 30 passenger cars were stolen most often in 2022. If you own one of these models, you should be extra careful and take extra security precautions to protect your vehicle.
Car theft 2022: Top 30 most stolen passenger cars
We’ve all heard of car theft, but what exactly is it and why is it important to talk about it? Auto theft refers to the criminal act of thieves stealing the property of others. This specifically involves cars and important vehicle parts, causing significant financial and emotional damage to affected owners.
Car theft is a worldwide problem that causes billions of dollars in total damage each year. Theft of cars and other vehicles occurs in all countries, in both developed and emerging markets. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that car thieves are becoming more sophisticated and using new technologies to steal vehicles.
In 2022, auto theft statistics showed that certain passenger vehicles are particularly dangerous. Among the top 30 most stolen cars are many popular models such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. This shows that it’s not just expensive luxury vehicles that can fall victim to car theft. It is important that car owners are aware of how to protect their car to prevent it from being stolen.
- Hide important documents and valuables
- Always lock your car
- Always keep your keys close at hand
- Park only in safe and busy parking lots
- Install an alarm system
It’s also important to keep up with the latest technologies and trends in car theft. Because in the future, car thieves will continue to look for new methods to steal cars. Through education and caution, car owners can help minimize the risk of car theft.
The top 5 most stolen passenger cars in Germany
Car theft is a widespread problem in Germany. In 2022, a total of 30 different car models were particularly popular with car thieves. In the process, some models have been stolen more often than others. In this article, we present the top 5 most stolen cars in Germany.
- VW Golf – VW Golf is the most stolen car model in Germany. No other car was stolen as often as the Golf in 2022. Thieves appreciate the high prevalence of this model and the accompanying demand for spare parts.
- BMW 3 series – BMW 3 series comes in second place. Older models in this range are particularly popular with car thieves, as they are still in high demand due to their high performance and quality.
- Mercedes C-Class – The Mercedes C-Class is also a frequently stolen passenger car model. Thieves are certainly thinking of the easy resale value and demand in countries with less stringent controls.
- Opel Corsa – Opel Corsa is the fourth most stolen passenger car in Germany. This model is especially popular with young drivers and is considered very easy to steal.
- Audi A4 – In conclusion, the Audi A4 comes in fifth place among the most stolen passenger cars in Germany. Thieves appreciate this model due to its high quality and workmanship, as well as the high demand for spare parts.
To reduce the likelihood of one’s vehicle being stolen, car owners should take some safety precautions. These include installing alarm systems and GPS systems, as well as parking the vehicle in busy, well-lit areas.
Tips to prevent car theft
Car theft is a serious problem and can cause a lot of stress and financial loss for the motorists involved. It is important to take appropriate measures to prevent car theft.
Safety precautions
There are many different security measures car owners can take to prevent car theft. One option is to install a car alarm system that is activated when someone tries to break into the car.
Another approach is to use a steering wheel claw, which locks the steering wheel and makes it difficult to move the vehicle. An electronic immobilizer is also an effective way to prevent theft.
Other tips
In addition to the aforementioned safety precautions, car owners should make sure their keys are kept secure and never left near the car under any circumstances.
It is also advisable to park the car in a garage or a guarded parking lot instead of parking it outside. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also take out theft insurance to be financially protected in the event of theft.
Especially for the 30 most popular passenger cars among car thieves, which should be paid special attention to, it is important to take the above measures to prevent car theft and prevent problems from happening.
Protect against car theft
Car theft is a serious threat, especially when it comes to the 30 most popular passenger vehicles among car thieves in 2022. However, there are steps you can take to protect your car and minimize the risk of theft.
- Park your car in a safe place: Be sure to park your car in a lighted lot or a gated parking lot if you must leave it outside at night.
- Install an alarm system: an alarm system can help reduce car thieves’ interest in your vehicle. There are many different options available, including a central locking system, an immobilizer and a GPS tracker.
- Hide your valuables: Do not leave valuables in your car. Instead, you should take it with you or put it in the trunk and remove it from sight.
- Lock your car: this may sound obvious, but it’s important to always lock your car when you leave it. Make sure all windows and doors are locked and the car is not running on empty.
- Inform the police: if your car is stolen, you should immediately inform the police. Provide as much information as possible about your car, including a photo, license plate number and chassis number.
It is important to be aware that car theft is a real danger. You should always be vigilant and make sure you take steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. With these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft, and with any luck, your car will never appear on the list of the 30 most popular passenger cars with car thieves.
Car theft 2022: The 30 most popular cars among car thieves
In Germany, the number of stolen cars has risen steadily in recent years. Car theft is a lucrative business for criminals, as many stolen cars are sold abroad or used for other crimes. A recent study has now identified the 30 most stolen passenger cars in Germany. BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles are particularly popular among them.
As a car owner, however, you can do something to prevent the theft of your own vehicle. A first step is to lock the car and take the key with you. An alarm system and steering wheel lock can also be a deterrent. It is also especially important to park your car in a secure location, such as a locked garage or gated parking lot.
If the car is still stolen, it is important to act quickly. You should immediately inform the police and report the theft. The insurance company should also be informed as soon as possible so that the damage incurred can be settled as quickly as possible. In this way, you can help stolen vehicles be found more quickly and put an end to the cycle of car theft.
- The top 10 most stolen passenger cars in Germany:
- 1. BMW X5 (year of manufacture 2014-2019)
- 2. BMW 5 Series (model year 2014-2019)
- 3. BMW 3 Series (year of manufacture 2014-2019)
- 4. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (model year 2014-2018)
- 5. Audi A6 (year of manufacture 2010-2018)
- 6. Mercedes-Benz E-Class (year of manufacture 2014-2018)
- 7. Audi A4 (2015-2019 model year)
- 8. Audi A3 (year of manufacture 2013-2019)
- 9. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (model year 2014-2018)
- 10. Audi Q5 (model year 2016-2019)
But other models such as the Volkswagen Golf, the Ford Focus or the Opel Corsa also frequently end up on the theft list. Car owners should therefore be aware of their car’s security measures and, if necessary, add to them to make theft more difficult.