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High Demand For Parts And Illegal Trade Drive The Growth Of Stolen Cars In Brazil. Vehicles Parked Near Busy Places Are More Vulnerable
The theft of pickups in Brazil rose alarmingly in 2024, with a 85.9% increase in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2023. This data, provided by Tracker Group, the national leader in vehicle tracking, reveals a troubling picture. In addition, the thefts of these vehicles also grew by 63.4% in that same timeframe.
This significant increase in stolen cars, mainly pickups, results largely from the rising value of components for these vehicles in the parallel market and the growing interest in diesel engines, increasingly used in machinery and in other countries, according to Estadão.
Most Stolen SUVs And Pickups In Brazil
- Toyota Hilux
- Ranger
- Fiat Toro
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Renegade
- Mitsubishi L200
- Chevrolet S10
- Volkswagen Amarok
- Hyundai Creta
- Fiat Strada
Diesel Pickups: The Most Stolen Cars And Primary Targets Of Criminals
The thefts show a clear preference for diesel pickups, especially due to the use of these engines in agricultural machinery and power generators. According to Vitor Corrêa, Command and Monitoring Manager at Tracker Group, these vehicles stand out for their engine characteristics. “Diesel engines are highly valued for their use in agricultural machinery, durability, and capacity for heavy-duty work,” Corrêa emphasizes.
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These characteristics make diesel pickups seen as high-value assets in the parallel market. Thus, criminals focus their efforts on this type of vehicle. Additionally, the possibility of dismantling for illegal parts sales, which have high demand and value, also drives this criminal practice.
Illegal Trade And Trafficking To Neighboring Countries
Besides dismantling, many stolen vehicles in Brazil end up being taken to other countries, where they become bargaining chips. This illegal trafficking becomes especially common in border states such as Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, and Paraná, as well as in major urban centers like São Paulo and Minas Gerais. According to Corrêa, “stolen pickups in these states go to Paraguay, creating a parallel market that makes the thefts more profitable.”
This practice of stolen cars, extremely profitable for criminals, expands with the help of smuggler and receiver networks. For example, in Paraguay, stolen pickups are often exchanged for illegal goods or sold at lower prices than in Brazil. Therefore, this cycle generates significant incentives for the theft and illegal export of these vehicles, especially diesel-powered ones.
Stolen Cars: Theft Patterns And High-Risk Areas
Cars parked in public and high-traffic areas, such as subway stations, malls, and stadiums, represent preferred targets for offenders. The high flow of people facilitates the actions of criminals, who act quickly and discreetly. Even with the presence of security technologies, such as alarms and signal blockers, many offenders have access to disruptors that block common trackers. Therefore, vehicle security companies invest in more advanced technologies to improve protection.
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