Car theft is making a strong comeback across Europe after a slowdown during the pandemic, with both organized gangs and opportunistic thieves targeting popular models.
In Greece, the figures are striking: 228 thefts per 100,000 residents, equivalent to one stolen car every three hours. Tourist destinations and major cities are among the hardest-hit areas.
According to data released by British insurer Zego, France leads Europe with 248 thefts per 100,000 residents, or about 19 cars stolen every hour. Greece ranks second in relative terms, followed closely by Italy with 227 thefts per 100,000 people. In absolute numbers, Italy sees around 369 cars stolen daily, second only to France.
Other countries with high theft rates include Sweden (206 per 100,000), Luxembourg (162), the Netherlands (156), the UK (142) and Belgium (116). Switzerland and Finland share ninth place, each with 108 thefts per 100,000 residents.
The Situation in Germany
In Germany, 14,585 fully insured cars were stolen in 2023, up nearly 20% from the previous year, according to the German Insurance Association (GDV). Losses exceeded €310 million, with an average claim of €21,400 per theft. SUVs and premium models are the main targets, with Toyota, Land Rover and Jeep vehicles topping the list.
Berlin remains the country’s hotspot, recording 4,266 thefts in 2023 — a 46% increase compared to 2022.
Which Cars are Safer in Greece?
While many newer and smaller cars are at higher risk, a Hellas Direct study for 2024 highlighted several models with zero thefts per 2,000 insured vehicles, including:
- Seat Ibiza
- Hyundai Atos
- Volkswagen Passat
- Citroën C4
- Fiat Seicento
Models with only one theft per 2,000 contracts or more included the Opel Astra, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Almera, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Matiz, Audi A4, Peugeot 307 and Citroën Saxo.
Interestingly, thieves in Greece show a preference for smaller cars under 3.7 meters in length and vehicles less than five years old. Theft rates decline significantly as cars age, with vehicles over 15 years old rarely targeted.
