These types and models of cars are most likely to be stolen in France

One car is stolen every four minutes in France, and some models are more likely to be targeted than others, new data from the Interior Ministry shows.

The data (PDF to download on the page) shows that 140,269 vehicles were stolen in 2024. More than 90% of these thefts were completed by the criminals without them even having to break a window to gain access, said a recent study by driving app Coyote (which has its own theft observatory and post-theft help desk).

Using statistics from its own clients the observatory found that car thefts were up 3.3% in 2024 compared to 2023.

Which models are most at-risk? 

• SUVs are the most commonly-stolen vehicles, and account for 66% of car thefts, said Coyote

• Hybrid cars accounted for 53% of thefts in 2024 (up 13% compared to 2023)

Figures from France Assureurs also found that some specific models are most at-risk, particularly: 

• Renault Mégane IV

• Renault Clio IV

• Peugeot 3008

“This can also be explained by the fact that they are the best-selling models on the market,” said Coyote.

Read also: Rise in car thefts in France, SUVs and hybrids remain main targets
Read more: Rising cost of vehicle spare parts in France leads to increase in thefts

Where is the highest risk?

The figures also show that car thefts are most concentrated in five main regions:

• Ile-de-France and surroundings: A rate of 5.6 thefts per 1,000 vehicles

• Hauts-de-France: 3.6 thefts per 1,000 vehicles

• PACA: 3.5 thefts per 1,000 vehicles

• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: 3.4 thefts per 1,000 vehicles

• Pays de la Loire: 2.5 thefts per 1,000 vehicles

Many of the thefts are increasingly being carried out by organised international gangs, said Coyote. 

“In 2024, operations carried out beyond French borders increased by 22% compared to 2023,” it said. 

Read also: Vehicle thefts rise significantly across France 

Electronic theft

Modern vehicles’ electronic systems have also made it easier for criminals to steal cars without causing any physical damage to them. Coyote research indicated that 94% of vehicle thefts are now done using electronic methods.

“Today, it is extremely difficult to prevent the theft of modern cars, the vast majority of which are equipped with electronic systems,” said Stéphane Curtelin, marketing and product director at Coyote, to Le Figaro. 

One way to prevent the theft of your vehicle from outside of your house - or when you are nearby - is to keep your keys in a box or bag known as a Faraday cage, or an RFID (radio frequency identification) blocker.

These boxes and bags (which can be bought fairly cheaply) block electromagnetic fields, preventing criminals from cloning the car key.