São Paulo authorities intensify efforts against vehicle theft and highway crime

Public security authorities in São Paulo are implementing several measures to combat rising vehicle-related crimes. A recent report from the State Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP) shows that while total pickup truck thefts in the São Paulo metropolitan area decreased by 5% between 2025 and 2026, specific models have seen significant increases in criminal targeting. The Volkswagen Saveiro has become the most stolen pickup, rising to 530 incidents, followed by the Fiat Toro with 514 cases. The Fiat Strada, previously the most targeted, dropped to third place with 363 incidents.

To address highway security, the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat has entered a five-year agreement with the Department of Highways (DER-SP) to integrate road monitoring into the ‘Muralha Paulista’ system. This partnership utilizes facial recognition and license plate reading technology to identify criminals and locate stolen vehicles.

Additionally, the Civil Police have intensified operations against ‘smash-and-grab’ crimes, particularly along the Marginal Tietê, where suspects exploit heavy traffic to steal valuables from vehicles. Local municipalities in the western region, including Itapevi, Osasco, and Barueri, are also conducting increased inspections to remove irregular or abandoned vehicles from circulation to improve road safety.