Car Thefts in France 2024: A Rising Concern

According to the Coyota Observatory, car thefts are surging across France. Organized networks are targeting specific car models and regions, creating widespread concern among vehicle owners.

Alarming Statistics: The Numbers Never Lie

The Ministry of the Interior reports a staggering 140,269 car thefts in France for 2024. This equates to one car being stolen every four minutes. What’s more concerning is that over 90% of these thefts occurred without any signs of forced entry. Criminals are increasingly exploiting electronic vulnerabilities to gain access to vehicles without breaking in.

Understanding the Causes: Insights from the Coyota Observatory

Water Assistance Systems, the company behind the Coyota Observatory, has been analyzing data from 500,000 vehicles equipped with GPS/GSM tracking systems and 0G wave networks, which are resistant to jamming. Their findings confirm the Ministry’s data, revealing a 3.3% increase in car thefts compared to the previous year.

The Role of Modern Technology in Car Thefts

Stefan Kertelin, Marketing Director at Coyota, explains, “It is extremely difficult to prevent the theft of modern cars, mainly because they are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems.” Devices like the “Mouse Nest” enable criminals to unlock and start vehicles within seconds, often leaving no visible evidence of tampering.

Philip Nosiere, President of “40 Million Motorists,” adds, “Technological advancements provide criminals with sophisticated tools, making it easier to steal cars without leaving a trace.”

Most Targeted Vehicles: SUVs and Hybrids at Risk

SUVs are the most stolen vehicle type, accounting for 66% of car thefts. Their popularity and high market value make them prime targets. Hybrid vehicles also face a high risk, representing 53% of thefts in 2024—an increase of 13 percentage points compared to 2023.

Most Affected Models:

• Renault Mégane IV
• Renault Clio IV
• Peugeot 3008

These models are particularly vulnerable, according to data from French insurers.

Regional Hotspots: Where Car Thefts Are Most Prevalent

Car thefts are concentrated in specific regions:

1. Ile-de-France: The highest rate, with 5.6 thefts per 1,000 vehicles, due to its dense population and economic activity.
2. Hauts-de-France: A 29% increase in thefts compared to 2023, with 3.6 thefts per 1,000 cars.
3. PACA and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes: High rates of 3.5 and 3.4 thefts per 1,000 vehicles, respectively.

The Growing International Threat

Car theft networks are not limited to France. According to Coyota, cross-border car theft operations increased by 22% in 2024 compared to 2023, highlighting the international scope of this criminal activity.

Final Thoughts

The rising trend of car thefts in France underscores the need for advanced security measures. Vehicle owners should stay informed about the latest theft methods and consider investing in robust anti-theft technologies to safeguard their cars.