Car Theft Rates: A Global Concern
Globally Increasing Vehicle Theft Rates, with Romania Among Least Impacted Nations
Here's a lowdown on the worldwide automobile theft rate scenario, ferreted out by Compare the Market Australia in their latest study. While vehicle theft is on the rise globally, causing concern among car owners, Romania stands as a beacon of safety, with fewer reported cases compared to its population.
Auto theft isn't just detrimental to the vehicle owner; it also impacts the insurance market in a given location. Areas with higher car theft rates may witness increased insurance rates for locals. If a particular car model or brand is targeted more than others, customers with the same make and model could face higher premiums, as per the report.
Unsurprisingly, the United States bagged the unwanted title for the highest car theft rate in 2023, with 295.50 thefts per 100,000 people. The country also reported more than a million car thefts in the same period. Colorado was the state with the most incidents, while Australia followed closely with 252.29 reported cases per 100,000 residents. Italy (221.90 thefts per 100,000 people) and France (210.78 thefts per 100k residents) rounded out the top four, with Greece securing the fifth spot with 148.25 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants.
On the flip side, Hungary was relatively safe, reporting only 5.80 thefts per 100,000 people as of 2021, a testament to the nation's robust anti-theft measures. Despite having a population of nearly 20 million, Romania only reported 1,190 stolen cars, making it one of the safer countries for car owners in Europe.
Cars favored by thieves vary across regions. In Australia, the Holden brand was among the top targets, with over 5,000 thefts reported in 2021. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car in the US in 2023, with 48,445 reported incidents, followed by the Hyundai Sonata with 42,813 thefts. In the UK, the Ford Fiesta was the most frequently stolen car in 2024, with 4,446 thefts reported across the country.
So, while it's essential to keep an eye on your prized vehicle, knowing the odds in your area might give you a bit of peace of mind! 😊
Radu @Our Website 🌐
(Photo source: Martinmark | Dreamstime.com)
[1] Compare the Market Australia (2023): Annual Vehicle Thefts Report[2] The New York Times (2023): Why Kia and Hyundai Models are the Most Stolen Cars in America
- Romania tends to have fewer car thefts compared to its population, making it one of the safer countries for car owners in Europe, with only 1,190 reported cases in 2021.
- The Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car in the US in 2023, with a staggering 48,445 reported incidents.
- General news outlets, such as The New York Times, have reported on the increase in car thefts, with the US having the highest car theft rate in 2023, at 295.50 thefts per 100,000 people.
- In Romania, car owners may not have to worry about car-maintenance costs being affected by car thefts, as the country's theft rate is relatively low.
- In Australia, lifestyle and general-news enthusiasts seeking to learn more about car-maintenance, crime, and justice can find valuable insights from Compare the Market Australia's 2023 Annual Vehicle Thefts Report regarding the preferred car models targeted by thieves, such as the Holden brand, and the regions with the highest theft rates.
