Vehicle theft remains a concern for South African motorists. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 32,221 motor vehicles and motorcycles were reported stolen in 2024/25. During April to June 2026, a further 6,988 cases were recorded nationwide, equating to approximately 77 vehicle thefts a day.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of vehicles reported stolen in the SAPS vehicle recovery statistics, but the risk is not confined to one province. Motorists should remain alert wherever they travel, particularly when visiting unfamiliar areas or leaving their vehicles in public parking areas.
A change of scenery, a change in risk
When travelling away from home, you may be less familiar with your surroundings and the potential risks associated with your destination. A vehicle that is ordinarily parked in a secure suburban driveway may spend more time in unfamiliar parking areas, including at shopping centres and holiday accommodation.
Organised vehicle theft syndicates may take advantage of these circumstances, particularly when targeting vehicles from outside the area. Motorists may be unfamiliar with local crime hotspots, while their vehicles may not have the additional tracking devices or other security measures that insurers require in higher-risk areas. This can render “out of town” vehicles a primary target.
Before travelling, familiarise yourself with your policy’s security requirements and ensure that, if applicable to your vehicle, all prescribed anti-theft devices are fitted, operational and activated.
Popular models remain targets
Toyota vehicles including the Hilux, Fortuner and Corolla Cross continue to feature prominently in reports of vehicle crime, reflecting demand for resale and spare parts. Other frequently targeted models include the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Ford Ranger.
Emerging risks in 2026
According to AutoTrader, several other models have emerged as potential vehicle-theft risks in 2026, including:
- Hyundai Venue: Increasingly identified as a potential target, partly because of its growing popularity.
- Suzuki Ertiga: Reportedly attracting criminal attention as its use in ride-hailing and transport services expands.
- Haval and Chery: Rising sales of Chinese vehicles may increase demand for replacement parts, potentially making these vehicles more attractive to parts-related criminal activity.
Why these cars?
- Parts demand: Popular models can create a larger market for replacement parts, including illicitly-sourced components.
- Commonality: Widely used vehicles that have been stolen may attract less attention in traffic.
- Cross-border appeal: Certain bakkies and 4x4s are sought after in neighbouring countries.
While these trends are useful indicators, no vehicle is entirely immune to theft. The models targeted by criminals can change as market demand and theft methods evolve.
Don’t rely on technology alone
Modern vehicles offer sophisticated electronic access and ignition systems, but criminals have developed increasingly advanced methods of bypassing these security measures.
One risk motorists should be aware of is remote jamming, particularly in shopping-centre car parks and other busy parking areas. Criminals use devices that interfere with the signal from a vehicle’s remote key, preventing the doors from locking even though the owner believes the vehicle is secure. The motorist may walk away unaware that the vehicle remains unlocked and vulnerable to theft or the theft of its contents.
A simple precaution is to check that your vehicle is physically locked before walking away. Do not rely solely on flashing indicator lights, an audible signal or the sound of the central locking system.
Remote jamming is not the only electronic threat. Depending on the vehicle and the method used, criminals may also exploit keyless entry systems or other vulnerabilities in electronic access and ignition controls.
It is therefore worth considering physical security measures alongside electronic protection. A traditional steering-wheel lock may seem old-fashioned, but it provides a visible deterrent and an additional obstacle for a would-be thief. While no single device guarantees protection, combining appropriate security measures can help reduce the risk.
A few precautions worth taking
- Always close the windows, lock the vehicle and take your keys with you, even when leaving it unattended for a short time.
- Physically check that your vehicle is locked before walking away, particularly in shopping-centre car parks, where remote jamming may prevent the locking signal from reaching your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit, secure areas wherever possible.
- Keep valuables out of sight, preferably in the boot, before arriving at your destination.
- Ensure that your vehicle’s tracking and recovery devices are working correctly and comply with your insurer’s requirements.
- Consider an additional physical anti-theft device, such as a steering-wheel lock.
- Remain aware of your surroundings, avoid predictable routines where possible and, if you suspect you are being followed, drive to a busy, well-lit public place or police station rather than going home.
Vehicle security requires more than relying on the technology built into your car. A combination of appropriate security devices, sensible precautions and awareness of changing risks can help reduce the likelihood of theft.
Before your next journey, take a moment to check that you, your vehicle and its security measures are ready for the road.
Please note: The information contained in this article is not offered as ‘advice’ in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 2002 as amended, and policyholders should consult with their intermediaries and the policy wording to ensure a full and complete understanding of the cover offered to them in terms of the Safire policy of insurance.