Which models are the most stolen in France?

In 2024, France saw its number of vehicle thefts once again approach worrying heights. Cars, the daily companions of millions of drivers, are no longer easy prey, but still attract the most cunning and organized greed. So, which models, despite technical advances, systematically end up in the crosshairs of criminals? From popular cars to secure sports cars, the theft mapping is both a reliable indicator of motorists’ habits and a window onto the ever-changing methods of thieves. From the classic Renault Clio, the undisputed king of the car fleet and theft statistics, to the surprising exploits of thieves with Toyotas and Lexuses, the picture is not lacking in spice. Discover, behind this blacklist, the reasons for these choices, the most affected regions, and above all, how to foil thieves’ plans with practical and often little-known tips. French cars top the list of most stolen models: a deep-rooted heritage

There’s no need to beat around the bush: French cars unsurprisingly dominate the ranking of the most stolen models in France. In 2024, the list of the top twenty cars targeted by thieves features an impressive sixteen models from domestic production. Behind this boom lies a formidable combination: a strong market presence accompanied by sometimes overly simple access to the security system. The Renault Clio IV, for example, is the undisputed queen of this sad podium, with more than 2,200 vehicles stolen. This slight 4% decrease compared to the previous year should not be misleading. This compact car, praised for its robustness, hides a weakness in its electronic protection, an entry point often exploited by thieves.

The Peugeot 3008 II and the Peugeot 308 II complete this top three, with a notable increase in thefts, particularly for the 308 (+24%). Their commercial success explains this popularity. The more widespread they are, the more they become a prime target for organized crime networks, particularly because their spare parts find a thriving market on the black market. The cases of the Renault Mégane IV and the Peugeot 208 II reinforce this trend, illustrating an almost frantic race on the car theft scene.

Let’s leave France for a moment to consider the Japanese, who also perform well in this ranking. The Toyota RAV4 V, a relatively new yet already well-targeted hybrid SUV, slips into sixth place with more than 1,100 thefts. This proves that no manufacturer is immune to the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by criminals. 🚗 Model

🔢 Number of thefts in 2024

Two main strategies are currently in vogue:

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Air bag and stealth opening tools

: It only takes a few seconds for a thief to slip a pneumatic tool into the door and open the lock. This technique requires a certain agility, but the simplicity of these tools makes them accessible to many criminals.

• 📡 The famous “relay attack” : This method, which borders on hacking genius, allows the key’s electronic signal to be captured and reproduced remotely. The car opens and starts as if the owner had the key in hand, without any visible tampering.
• These practices don’t stop there. Thieves are increasingly using electronic boxes that they plug into the vehicle’s OBD port. Once connected, they can reprogram a blank key in a few minutes or even take control of the onboard electronic systems using processes such as “CAN injection.” FYI, this type of hacking requires less technical skills than you might think, and the equipment for these acts is surprisingly easy to obtain, even on the public web. 🔧 Technique 📊 Frequency of Use

⚙️ Description

Geographic areas most at risk for car theft in France

In 2024, three departments stand out in particular:

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Bouches-du-Rhône

: more than 4,500 thefts recorded. Marseille and its surrounding areas are a bubbling cauldron where close battles are played out between organized gangs.

• 📍 Nord : 3,669 vehicles stolen, reflecting the high urbanization in this region around Lille, attracting many professional thieves. 📍
• Rhône : 2,684 incidents, mainly around Lyon, a dynamic metropolis but also a prime target for sophisticated networks. The theft map also reveals that smaller, quieter towns are not spared, even if the operations there are often opportunistic and less organized. Urban centers remain the preferred hunting ground for specialized criminal networks.
• 📌 Department 🚗 Number of thefts in 2024 🏙️ Approximate population

Bouches-du-Rhône

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Physical anti-theft device

: Install a steering wheel lock, a pedal lock, or even a brake shoe. These devices remain an effective first line of defense to deter thieves in a hurry.

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• GPS tracker : An investment that drastically increases your chances of recovering the stolen vehicle. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you equip your car with such a device. 📶
• RFID-blocking pouch : To prevent electronic hacking of your wireless key, always store your key in a signal-blocking pouch. 🏠 Secure parking
• : Use a locked garage or secure parking, especially at night. 🚫 Avoid leaving items visible
• : Keep your accessories out of sight, or better yet, don’t leave them in the vehicle, to avoid risking trouble. 🛡️ ​​Measure 🔍 Key benefit
• 💸 Estimated cost Steering wheel lock Prevents immediate driving

Among the factors that motivate their choices:

. A model like the Renault Clio or the Peugeot 308 sees its components sought after throughout the country, often resold in individual parts at sometimes incredible prices. On the other hand, some vehicles, notably Toyota SUVs, are purchased in batches to be shipped to West Africa or Eastern Europe.

This organization results in a perverse effect: the more a car is stolen, the more its “price” on the black market increases, which further fuels demand and the recruitment of new networks of traffickers.

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Export to Africa:

Countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Gambia remain favored destinations. 🔩Disassembly into spare parts:

thriving market in Eastern Europe and France.

• 🚙 Direct resale of vehicles: for certain recent models that are still efficient.
• 🌍 Destination 🔧 Type of Resale 📌 Preferred models
• West Africa Complete vehicles exported Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai