Car thefts: a 9% increase in 2022

A study published by Coyote in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior estimates that 133,800 vehicles were stolen in 2022, of which 70% were private vehicles.

The driving assistance company Coyote published today its annual study “The Vehicle Theft Observatory,” recording vehicle thefts in Europe based on their “post-theft recovery” system, Coyote Secure. This study accounts for both private and commercial vehicles.

Based on these data, supplemented by official statistics from the ministry, the brand has identified regions where thefts have significantly increased. Furthermore, Coyote has identified four common practices after a theft: exporting vehicles abroad, reselling car parts, vehicle laundering, and export to war zones.

Additionally, certain regions are more affected by this rise in thefts. For example, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (+12%), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (+11%), and Île-de-France (+4%) alone account for 52% of reported thefts in France last year.

An Uneven Distribution of Thefts Across the Territory

The Coyote study notes a sharp increase in thefts in regions that previously had low records. Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté all experienced an average increase of 21% in thefts. These figures are based on the number of vehicles stolen per 1,000 equipped with Coyote Secure, called the “damage rate”.

The Île-de-France region, with its 12.4 million residents according to INSEE, accounts for the highest number of thefts among the 133,800 reported last year. This also applies to its damage rate, which is 5.9 per 1,000. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with a damage rate of 4.2 per 1,000, ranks second.

Hybrid vehicles are experiencing the highest increase in damage rate. With a 40% rise compared to 2021, reaching 3.3 vehicles stolen per 1,000, they are the least fortunate. SUVs are also very popular among thieves due to their current popularity. Just look at big cities and the offers from current automakers to see how prominent SUVs are becoming.

Significant thefts of two-wheelers and commercial vehicles also stand out. According to Coyote, these are stolen twice as often as private vehicles.

Best Practices to Protect Against Thefts

A list of good habits is available on the ministry of the interior’s website and includes the following measures:

• Call 17 in case of emergency
• Do not leave identity papers or vehicle documents inside the vehicle
• Make photocopies of these documents
• File a police report or gendarmerie declaration

Furthermore, the ministry offers advice for buying vehicles online:

• Beware of prices significantly below market value (compare prices with Argus valuation)
• Be cautious of sellers offering too many spare parts
• Ask sellers for guarantees regarding the origin of the parts
• Collect both sets of keys
• Verify that the vehicle is not pledged

Mobiwisy hopes you are now aware of these criminals’ practices. We also hope you won’t fall victim to vehicle theft!

Also read: Driver’s license: revoked for alcohol or drug use behind the wheel?