From vrrr paa’s to drop tops and SUVs, cars come in different shapes and sizes. One thing they all have in common, though, is that car thieves want them.
But which ones do they want more of, and why? Let’s find out what the most stolen cars in South Africa are and discover how Cartrack’s GPS tracking solution is just what you need to keep your vehicle safe and sound.
Over the 3rd quarter of 2023 (October-December), a total of 5,888 vehicles were hijacked, which is a decrease of about 2% from the 2nd quarter’s (July-September) total of 5,966 vehicles.
The most stolen vehicles are grouped into four main categories. These are:
Let’s dive into these groups:
The most stolen vehicle types in South Africa include sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes, which accounted for slightly over 46% (2,754) of hijacked cars during the third quarter of 2023. Hatchbacks and sedans are the most common types of cars on the road in South Africa, which means statistically, they’re more likely to be stolen. Also, these cars are quite common, making it easier for them to blend in with traffic.
Bakkies and vans were the second most hijacked type of vehicle during the third quarter of 2023, at nearly 31% (1,824). Bakkies are generally more expensive than hatchbacks and sedans, making them more lucrative for criminals looking to resell the entire stolen vehicle and make a profit. They are also in high demand due to their size, off-road capabilities, and cargo capacity. Compared to other vehicle types, bakkies, especially entry-level models, don’t usually have the most advanced security features, making them an easy target for criminals.
While SUVs are also high-risk vehicles, their theft rates were significantly lower. This was the fourth most hijacked type of vehicle in 2023’s third quarter at about 6.5% (387).
South Africa is home to constantly fluctuating fuel prices, which has increased the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Thieves typically target cars that are in high demand, as this is usually a quick resale after it has been stolen. These vehicles are also in high demand by thieves or criminal operations that want to operate at low running costs.
While advanced vehicle technology has unlocked convenience and security features, it has also created an opportunity for criminals to exploit these systems. New technology always tends to introduce new weaknesses, which criminals take advantage of. An example of this is keyless car theft, where criminals can capture key signals and block communication with the car by using a signal-jamming system.
High-speed vehicles are in great demand by criminals because they can play an instrumental role in other crimes, especially the getaway part. South Africa has high rates of cash-in-transit robberies, with 46 of these robberies being recorded between October and December. Criminals typically opt for high-speed vehicles in these types of crimes due to their ability to outrun police vehicles and trucks, giving them a quick getaway.
Now that we’ve established the groups of vehicles that are targeted the most let’s take a look at why they’re targeted so much.
Car theft is a complex issue with various motivations depending on the vehicle itself. Here's a breakdown of why resale value, vehicle parts, ease of stripping, and high demand all play a significant role:
Does your vehicle fall into any of the categories listed above? If so, then you need to implement strategies to protect it, wherever you are. Let’s run through a few simple solutions that you can use to keep your vehicles safe:
Don’t be a sitting duck! Here are some tips on parking like a pro and keeping your vehicle safe:
Criminals often monitor you before they strike, so make sure to switch up your routine.
Stay sharp and stay safe with these tips that hijackers don't want you to know:
Consider installing a GPS tracker in your vehicle, as this can be a valuable tool to track your vehicle in the unfortunate event that it is stolen.
A GPS tracker is a device that monitors and remotely tracks the location of a specific object. This can give you insight into your vehicle's location in real time, helping you know exactly where it is at all times.
When looking for a tracking device, you must choose one with features like real-time location updates, alerts in case of unauthorised movement, and an easy-to-navigate platform to view this information.
Put the brakes on your search for the perfect tracking device for your vehicle, because we have the answer: Cartrack’s tracking solutions.
Take control of your vehicle’s security with Cartrack’s tracking unit, here to make every journey a safe and peaceful one. Powered by GPS technology, this nifty device gives you access to a wide range of benefits that work to keep your vehicle in safe hands and under watchful eyes. These include:
Cartrack’s solutions are backed by a proven track record. One example of this is our recovery team intercepting a stolen bakkie along the Mozambique border. The bakkie, which was put on the back of a truck and camouflaged with broom heads, was supposed to be taken into Mozambique. Although the vehicle was cleverly hidden, our team still managed to recover the vehicle that was stolen earlier that day. Click here to see this in action.
But Cartrack doesn’t just recover bakkies. Our team has also recovered a stolen 1975 Toyota Corona, a truly rare and classic vehicle. Thanks to our GPS tracking technology, our team could pinpoint the vehicle’s location and recover it within an hour of it being stolen.
When it comes to your vehicle’s safety, compromising shouldn’t be an option. Equip it with technology that stands out from the crowd and results that speak for themselves.
Contact us today and level up your vehicle’s safety with Cartrack.
Cars come in different shapes and sizes & car thieves want them all. But which vehicle tops their list? Click here to find out!
