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High demand for parts and illegal trade drive growth in stolen cars in Brazil. Vehicles parked near busy areas are more vulnerable
Pickup truck theft in Brazil increased alarmingly in 2024, common 85,9% growth in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2023. This data, provided by Grupo Tracker, a national leader in vehicle tracking, reveals a worrying panorama. Furthermore, thefts of these vehicles also increased by 63,4% in the same period.
They significant increase in stolen cars, mainly pickup trucks, is largely due to the increase in the value of the components of these vehicles in the parallel market and growing interest in diesel engines, increasingly used in machinery and in other countries, according to the Estadão website.
Most stolen SUVs and trucks in Brazil
- Toyota Hilux
- Cleaning
- Fiat toro
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Renegade
- Mitsubishi L200
- Chevrolet s10
- volkswagen amarok
- Hyundai creta
- Fiat Strada
Diesel pickup trucks: the most stolen cars and the main targets of criminals
The frauds show a clear preference for diesel-powered pickup trucks, especially due to the use of these engines in agricultural machinery and power generators. According to Vitor Corrêa, Command and Monitoring Manager at Grupo Tracker, These vehicles stand out due to the characteristics of their engines. “Diesel engines are highly valued for their use in agricultural machinery, durability and capacity for heavy activities”, emphasizes Corrêa.
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These characteristics make the diesel pickup trucks are seen as high-value assets in the parallel market. Thus, the criminals focus their efforts on this type of vehicle. Furthermore, the possibility of dismantling for the illegal sale of parts, which are in high demand and value, also drives this criminal practice.
Illegal trade and traffic to neighboring countries
In addition to dismantling, many vehicles stolen in Brazil end up being taken to other countries, where they become currency. This illegal traffic becomes especially common in border states such as Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Paraná, in addition to large urban centers such as São Paulo and Minas Gerais. According to Corrêa, “pickup trucks stolen in these states go to Paraguay, forming a parallel trade that makes the robberies more profitable.”
This practice of stolen cars, which is extremely profitable for criminals, is expanding with the help of networks of smugglers and receivers. For example, in Paraguay, stolen pickup trucks are often exchanged for illegal goods or sold at prices lower than those in Brazil. Therefore, this cycle creates a significant incentive for the theft and illegal export of these vehicles, especially diesel-powered ones.
Stolen Cars: Theft Patterns and Highest Risk Locations
The cars parked in public and busy places, such as subway stations, shopping malls and stadiums, represent preferred targets for offenders. The high flow of people makes it easier for criminals to act quickly and discreetly. Even with the presence of security technologies, such as alarms and signal blocking, Many offenders have access to inhibitors that block common trackers. Therefore, vehicle security companies invest in more advanced technologies to improve protection.
