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[CRIME] · Greece, Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Romania · 4 sources

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Electric vehicles targeted less frequently by organized car theft rings

Research indicates that fully electric vehicles are being systematically avoided by organized car theft rings. According to insurance data, electric models show a significantly lower probability of being stolen compared to conventional petrol or diesel vehicles.

Criminal organizations typically target high-demand models that can be easily resold or dismantled for spare parts. Many of these syndicates operate across borders, transporting stolen vehicles to countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Lithuania for disassembly. The demand for electric vehicle components in these secondary markets remains low, and the lack of developed charging infrastructure makes them less attractive targets.

Furthermore, practical concerns such as limited battery range pose a risk to thieves during high-speed escapes or long-distance transport. While thieves are increasingly using sophisticated electronic methods to bypass modern security systems without leaving physical damage, the logistical challenges associated with electric vehicles act as a deterrent.

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