The Three Most Stolen Cars in Spain: Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Golf, and Seat León

Car models most coveted by vehicle thieves in Spain are the Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Golf, and Seat León, according to the study 'Vehicle Theft in Spain (2019-2023)', presented this Tuesday by Línea Directa Aseguradora. The study highlights the versatility of these cars, their good value for money, and their market appeal as reasons for their desirability. Following them in the top 10 most stolen cars are the Ford Focus, BMW 3 Series, Renault Megane, Opel Astra, Volkswagen Polo, Citroën Xsara, and Citroën C3.

Meanwhile, the most sought-after motorcycles by thieves are the Honda Scoopy, SYM Symphony, and KYMCO Super Dink, urban scooters valued "for their finish, good price, and urban character," according to the insurer's analysis of these three Asian models. Completing the ranking of the five most stolen are the Yamaha TMax and Honda PCX.

Despite the volume of thefts recorded in Spain, 22% of cars, 37% of vans, and 82% of motorcycles lack any insurance protection against this phenomenon, meaning that in the event of theft, owners would not receive any compensation.

According to official data from the Ministry of the Interior, more than 150,000 vehicle thefts occurred in Spain between 2019 and 2023, with nearly 70% remaining unsolved. Although the increase in cases is moderating, the trend continues to rise: in 2024, more than 33,000 vehicles were stolen in Spain (+0.7%).

The most common theft occurs on Mondays, in January, targeting a car of certain age (11 years) and valued at around 9,500 euros. In partial thefts, the most stolen parts are mirrors, exhaust pipes, sound systems, and the car's own keys.

The provinces where proportionally more car thefts were recorded in the last 5 years were Seville, Madrid, and Tarragona. In the case of motorcycles, the 'hottest' areas were the Balearic Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Barcelona.

Línea Directa Aseguradora indicates that thieves no longer limit themselves to breaking the window and using the classic 'hot-wiring' technique to steal a car. Instead, they use the latest technologies to achieve their goals: from frequency jammers and coding and diagnostic machines to the use of interfaces, devices that can be obtained online.

But what lies behind a car theft? Experts are clear: usually, organized crime gangs that take the vehicle out of Spain or sell it for parts online; criminals who steal for fun or to commit other crimes, such as ram-raiding; and individuals who fake a theft to claim insurance compensation. Additionally, Interpol points out that, in some cases, car thefts are used to finance organized crime, drug trafficking, arms and money trafficking, or terrorism.

In any case, thieves do not primarily target high-end vehicles but rather mid-range cars, such as the Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Golf, and Seat León, which top the ranking of the most stolen cars in Spain.

Línea Directa reminds that taking some precautions is essential to deter thieves. Here are four basic tips:

1. How to act. Report the theft as soon as possible at the nearest police station and call your insurer, to whom a copy of the document must be sent. Also, if your bag or wallet containing the car keys has been stolen, inform your insurance company as soon as possible.

2. Security measures. Consider incorporating elements that deter thieves, including technological means that help geolocate your vehicle in case of theft. Also, do not rule out using more traditional measures such as steering wheel locks or anti-theft screws if your vehicle does not have them.

3. Always ensure the car is locked, as frequency jammers can neutralize the vehicle's locking system.

4. If you have a garage, leave it inside. If not, avoid parking in dark, isolated, or remote places. If you are going to be away or on vacation, arrange with someone you know to move the vehicle periodically.