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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
Which cars are most often stolen in Ukraine: updated rating 2025
Car theft statistics in Ukraine show clear trends regarding the models most attractive to criminals. Which brands and models are at the highest risk, why do thieves choose them, and how to protect your car? Analysis of the hottest data from experts at the Delo.ua portal.
Car theft remains one of the most common categories of property crime in Ukraine. Every year, law enforcement agencies register more than 8-10 thousand reports of vehicle theft, although the real figures may be higher. Modern criminals use high-tech methods, which makes some popular models especially vulnerable.
Top 10 most frequently stolen cars
Analysis of statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and insurance companies allows us to identify car models that are most often the objects of criminal attacks. The rating is based on the absolute number of registered thefts in 2024.
Leaders of the anti-kidnapping rating:
- Toyota Camry (2007-2018) – 847 reported thefts;
- Lexus RX (2009-2019) – 612 thefts;
- Toyota RAV4 (2012-2020) – 584 thefts;
- BMW X5 (2007-2018) – 521 reported thefts;
- Mercedes-Benz E-class (2009-2019) – 498 thefts;
- Audi Q7 (2010-2018) – 441 thefts;
- Toyota Land Cruiser (all years of manufacture) – 389 thefts;
- BMW 5 Series (2010-2019) – 367 thefts;
- Lexus GX (2010-2020) – 334 reported thefts;
- Mercedes-Benz GLE/ML (2011-2019) – 312 thefts.
Toyota Camry tops the ranking due to a combination of several factors: high popularity in the Ukrainian market, relatively weak safety systems in models before 2018, and stable demand for spare parts. Cars manufactured in 2012-2016 are especially vulnerable.
The Lexus RX attracts criminals with its high liquidity on the black market and the ability to quickly resell in neighboring countries. Models from 2012-2016 have known vulnerabilities in alarm systems.
Regional car theft statistics
The geographical distribution of car thefts is uneven and correlates with the economic development of regions, proximity to borders, and population density. Some regions demonstrate critically high rates.
Regions with the highest theft rates:
- Kyiv and the region – 2,847 kidnappings (34% of the total);
- Odessa region – 1,234 thefts (proximity to seaports);
- Kharkiv region – 987 kidnappings (transit location);
- Lviv region – 856 thefts (proximity to the EU border);
- Dnipropetrovsk region – 734 kidnappings;
- Donetsk region (controlled territory) – 512 thefts;
- Zaporizhia region – 445 kidnappings;
- Poltava region – 389 thefts.
Kyiv region leads not only in absolute terms, but also in the value of stolen cars. The average value of a stolen car in the capital region is $28,000, which is 2.5 times higher than the national figure.
The Odessa region is characterized by a high proportion of thefts of premium SUVs, which are then transported by sea to the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
Methods and technologies of modern car thieves
Modern criminals are using high-tech methods to bypass standard vehicle security systems. Understanding these methods can help owners better protect their vehicles.
The main methods of car theft:
- signal jammers – devices for blocking signals from alarm key fobs;
- repeaters – signal amplifiers for keyless systems;
- OBD hacking – programming new keys through the diagnostic port;
- CAN injectors – interference with the vehicle's on-board network;
- key fob cloning – copying remote control signals.
BMW and Mercedes-Benz are particularly vulnerable to attacks through their keyless entry systems. Criminals use repeaters to amplify the weak signal from the key located in the owner's home to the car in the parking lot.
Older Toyota and Lexus vehicles have known vulnerabilities in the CAN bus that allow criminals to access control systems through the diagnostic port under the steering wheel.
Seasonality and time patterns of thefts
Statistical analysis of the timing of car thefts reveals clear patterns related to seasonality, days of the week, and hours of the day. This data helps owners increase vigilance during the riskiest periods.
Seasonal distribution of kidnappings:
- autumn (October-November) – peak activity, 28% of the annual amount;
- winter (December-February) – 26% of kidnappings;
- spring (March-May) – 24% of thefts;
- summer (June-August) – 22% of the total.
The riskiest days of the week are Friday and Saturday (18% of the weekly number each), when people leave their cars in overnight parking lots near entertainment venues.
Peak hours for thefts are from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM (67% of all thefts), with a particularly dangerous period from 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM, when patrol police activity is minimal.
Criminal motives and distribution channels
Understanding the motives of car thieves helps to better understand the risks for specific car models. The modern stolen car market has a complex structure with various monetization channels.
The main motives for car theft:
- dismantling for spare parts – 45% of stolen cars;
- resale abroad – 32% of thefts;
- use in criminal activities – 13% of cases;
- owner redemption – 7% of thefts;
- personal use – 3% of thefts.
Toyota Camrys are often stolen for disassembly because parts for this model are in high demand and are worth a lot. An engine, transmission, and body parts can fetch criminals $8,000-12,000.
Premium SUVs like the Lexus GX or Toyota Land Cruiser are mostly shipped abroad through a complex logistics network that includes document forgery and legalization in countries with loyal customs legislation.
Security systems and their effectiveness
Analysis of stolen cars shows the varying effectiveness of standard and aftermarket security systems. Some technologies significantly reduce the risk of theft, while others prove ineffective against modern criminal methods.
The effectiveness of various protection systems:
- GPS/GSM trackers with hidden installation – 78% efficiency;
- new generation immobilizers – protect in 65% of cases;
- mechanical locks (Mul-T-Lock) – efficiency 61%;
- standard car alarm – protects only in 23% of cases;
- window tinting – reduces the risk by 19%.
Combinations of several protection systems are the most effective . Cars with a GPS tracker, a hidden immobilizer, and a mechanical blocker are stolen 84% less often than cars with standard protection.
Keyless systems in modern cars paradoxically increase the risk of theft. The 2019-2020 BMW X5 with the Comfort Access system is stolen 3 times more often than similar models with traditional keys.
Owner's actions in case of car theft
The speed of the owner's reaction to a stolen car critically affects the likelihood of its recovery. The first hours after the theft is discovered are the most important for a successful search.
Algorithm of actions in case of car theft:
- Immediately contact the police by calling 102 or via the mobile application;
- Activation of the GPS tracker (if installed) via the dispatch service;
- Notification to the insurance company within 24 hours;
- Submitting an application to the RAC of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with a full package of documents;
- Monitoring of sales announcements on AUTO.RIA and other platforms;
- Turning to private detectives when the police are ineffective.
Search statistics show that 23% of stolen cars are found within the first day, 41% within a week, and 67% within a month. After three months, the probability of recovery drops to 8%.
Insurance companies pay compensation on average 45-60 days after submitting all documents, provided that the car is not found by law enforcement agencies.
Prevention and expert advice
Preventive measures significantly reduce the risk of car theft. Security experts recommend a comprehensive approach that includes technical measures, changing parking habits, and increasing personal vigilance.
Security recommendations from experts:
- avoid predictable routes and permanent parking areas;
- install several independent protection systems simultaneously;
- park in lighted, guarded parking lots;
- do not leave valuables in visible places in the cabin;
- Use mechanical locks even for short stops.
Toyota Camry owners are especially recommended to install a hidden immobilizer with an original communication protocol, which makes it difficult for criminals to detect and bypass it.
Owners of premium SUVs are advised to use metal garages or guarded parking lots, as open parking, even with the most modern security systems, does not guarantee protection from professional criminal groups.
Trends in automotive security are aimed at integrating AI threat recognition algorithms and creating unified databases of stolen cars within the EU, which will complicate the work of international criminal networks.
