Italy leads Europe in car thefts with over 132,000 vehicles stolen

Italy has recorded the highest number of car thefts in Europe, with over 132,000 vehicles stolen in 2023. This figure is nearly double the rates seen in France (approximately 71,000) and the United Kingdom (64,000), and significantly higher than in Spain (31,000) and Germany (30,000).

Criminal methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, shifting from traditional lock-breaking to advanced electronic tools that exploit digital vulnerabilities. This allows thieves to steal vehicles in minutes without leaving obvious signs of forced entry. The phenomenon is a major activity for organized crime, often involving the theft of SUVs for the black market of spare parts or resale abroad.

Despite high theft rates, vehicle recovery is improving through technology. In the first half of 2026, LoJack assisted in recovering 1,230 vehicles, valued at over 46 million euros, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year. Data shows that 83% of recoveries occur within 24 hours of a report, with an average time of 10 hours between reporting and recovery. Toyota, Fiat, and Mercedes-Benz are among the most targeted brands.