Vehicle theft rises in Italy with high rates in Veneto

Vehicle and cargo theft rates are rising in Italy, with significant impacts on businesses and private owners. Data from the Ministry of the Interior indicates that over 136,000 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and scooters, are stolen annually in Italy. The country ranks fourth in Europe for vehicle theft per 100,000 inhabitants, following Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Sweden.

In the Veneto region, more than 1,900 vehicles were reported stolen in a single year, including 1,404 cars and over 500 motorcycles and scooters. The province of Verona recorded the highest number of thefts, followed by Padua and Venice. Due to these trends, approximately 25.4% of motorists in Veneto now opt for theft insurance.

Research by Geotab highlights that organized criminal networks are becoming increasingly specialized, using technology such as frequency jammers to bypass telematics and tracking devices. Experts advise fleet managers and individuals to avoid parking in isolated or poorly lit areas and to ensure no valuables are left visible inside vehicles.