Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Survey Shows That Popular Models with High Resale Value Are the Main Targets of Criminals, Revealing Patterns of Thefts and Robberies That Worry Drivers in Major Brazilian Cities.
The theft and robbery of vehicles continue to worry drivers across the country, especially in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, which recorded approximately 6,790 occurrences just in April 2025.
According to recent data from a specialized vehicle tracking company, most victims have their cars stolen quietly, with 83.6% of incidents classified as theft and the remaining 16.4% as robberies, involving the use of violence or threats.
Among the victims, car owners dominate, accounting for 4,098 occurrences in the month analyzed.
-
The car stored for 38 years: when opening the barn door, what appears is breathtaking and looks like a scene from a movie!
-
Fiat works miracles in the Brazilian market, lowers the price of its 0 km hatch to R$ 69,990, reestablishes the model as the cheapest car in the country, and reignites the battle against Kwid and C3.
-
Chevette with cooking gas: How the gas cylinder ends up being used in cars clandestinely and why this makeshift solution can result in leaks, explosions, damaged engines, and seized vehicles.
-
Fiat launches the new 2027 Toro hybrid with 48V, 176 hp, an electric motor of 15.5 hp, a 0.85 kWh battery, up to 7% fuel savings, 8% fewer emissions, and possible exemption from IPVA.
Most Stolen Cars in Brazil: Criminals’ Preferred Models
Criminals’ preference for specific models reflects not only the size of the circulating fleet but also factors such as the ease of reselling parts, low embedded technology, and ease of break-in.
According to the survey, vehicles that are about ten years old account for the majority of occurrences, totaling 1,601 cases of this profile only in April.
Among the most targeted models, the following stand out:
- Hyundai HB20: 207 occurrences
- Ford Ka: 200 occurrences
- Fiat Uno: 187 occurrences
- Chevrolet Onix: 186 occurrences
- Volkswagen Gol: 177 occurrences
- Chevrolet Corsa: 170 occurrences
- Jeep Renegade: 112 occurrences
- Fiat Argo: 109 occurrences
- Volkswagen Fox: 102 occurrences
- Jeep Compass: 94 occurrences
Despite differences in market values, all these vehicles have in common their widespread presence on the streets and the ease of finding parts, aspects that attract the attention of gangs specialized in dismantling.
Models like the Hyundai HB20 and Ford Ka, besides being popular among consumers, lead the statistics of thefts and robberies, reinforcing their position as the “most loved by criminals.”
Risk Factors for Cars Most Targeted by Criminals
The choice of vehicles up to ten years old stems from the combination of resale value, lack of advanced security systems, and demand for components in the parallel market.
According to experts, criminals look for automobiles that can be quickly dismantled or easily resold, reducing the risk of identification by authorities.
In addition, cars that offer mechanical resistance and low maintenance costs are also frequent on theft lists.
Interestingly, some models deemed “nightmares for workshops” due to their reliability and robustness also become preferred targets.
According to automotive industry professionals, a history of reduced maintenance and durable engines makes these vehicles attractive options for those seeking ease in clandestine resale.
Where Thefts and Car Robberies Happen Most Frequently
The survey also detailed the municipalities that concentrate the highest number of vehicle theft and robbery occurrences in Greater São Paulo.
The top five are:
- São Paulo: 2,661 occurrences
- Santo André: 257 occurrences
- Guarulhos: 253 occurrences
- São Bernardo do Campo: 143 occurrences
- Osasco: 120 occurrences
These numbers reveal that major urban centers continue to be the primary targets of gangs.
The city of São Paulo, for example, alone accounts for more than a third of all reports in the region.
Times and Days of Highest Risk for Most Stolen Cars in Brazil
The analysis of times reveals a consolidated pattern.
The majority of vehicle thefts and robberies occur at night, totaling 1,257 occurrences.
Next are the afternoon (1,010 occurrences), morning (932 occurrences), and early morning (547 occurrences).
As for the days of the week, Wednesday stands out as the day with the highest number of cases (865 reports), followed by Tuesday (818), Thursday (705), Friday (517), Monday (457), Saturday (402), and Sunday (334).
This pattern suggests that urban routine, peak hours, and driver distraction may contribute to the success of criminal actions.
The use of unmonitored public parking lots and residential streets with little traffic increases vulnerability.
Other Dangers Beyond Crimes Against Property
In addition to the risk of theft and robbery, drivers face other dangers that could lead to total vehicle loss, especially maintenance failures.
Lack of attention to regular maintenance and improper driving practices, such as neglecting oil levels and adopting habits harmful to the engine, can result in severe damage.
These factors increase the loss in case of theft, as insurance may not cover pre-existing damage or damage caused by improper vehicle use.
Volkswagen Up and the Interest in Economical Cars
Launched in 2014 in Brazil, the Volkswagen Up quickly stood out for its low fuel consumption and innovative design.
Although it was discontinued in 2021, the model remains a reference for economy and practicality, characteristics valued by both consumers and criminals.
According to industry data, vehicles known for their efficiency in consumption and mechanical simplicity tend to attract interest in both formal and illegal markets, which explains their recurrence on theft lists.
Protection Tips for Most Targeted Vehicles
The adoption of tracking technologies, use of security locks, and choosing busy locations to park are some of the most common recommendations from vehicle security experts.
Modern monitoring systems and alarms make it difficult for gangs to act, although they do not completely eliminate risk.
In addition, simple preventive measures, such as not leaving valuables visible inside the vehicle, can reduce criminals’ interest in quick approaches.
In the current scenario, the list of most stolen cars in Brazil serves as a warning for drivers in all regions.
Given this context, what strategies do you consider essential to avoid becoming another victim of criminals? Share your opinion and experiences in the comments.
-
-
2 pessoas reagiram a isso.