In the first half of 2022, 13% more passenger cars were stolen than in the first six months of 2021, the first increase in 20 years. A total of 2900 passenger cars were stolen in the first half of the year. Toyota is the most stolen brand for the first time with 476 units. Ford, Opel, Peugeot and Mazda are notable risers, ranging from +21 to +39%. Motorcycles (+39%), mopeds & light mopeds (+38%), and light commercial vehicles (+32%) also show a sharp increase in thefts for the first time in years.
Older vehicles and two-wheelers popular
28% of the increase in passenger car thefts is attributable to vehicles of 3, 4 and 5 years old. In the 0 to 3 year old category, 63 fewer vehicles were stolen than last year: here the increased connectivity and better traceability seem to have an anti-theft influence.
40% of mopeds, light mopeds and motorcycles are stolen in the 3 major cities of The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The fact that mobility and parking of two-wheelers in large cities is easier and cheaper stimulates the demand for two-wheelers and that may be a possible cause of the increase in theft.
“We already saw an upward trend in the last months of 2021, which unfortunately has continued. Part of the problem is that vehicles of 4 years and older with a new price under €50.000 often do not have an additional alarm system and are therefore extra vulnerable to theft and car theft. Keyless entry is still easy to crack with many brands. Installing an extra CCV approved alarm system and having an existing keyless deactivated is the best remedy”.
De theft increase of two-wheelers is disturbing. Here too, mounting an approved alarm system in combination with an extra lock that you attach to a fixed point or special parking support will prevent theft. Public-private commitment to prevention, but also investigation is and remains necessary.
