Latest data and trends on car theft, hijackings, and recovery rates across South Africa
Vehicle crime remains a significant challenge in South Africa, with an estimated 45,000 vehicles stolen in 2025. While this represents a 3% decrease from 2024 figures, certain metropolitan areas continue to experience elevated theft rates.
Hijackings account for approximately 38% of all vehicle theft incidents, with the majority occurring in urban centers during evening hours.
The national vehicle recovery rate has improved to 65% in 2025, up from 62% in 2024. This improvement is largely attributed to advanced tracking technology and improved police response coordination.
Vehicles equipped with tracking devices show a significantly higher recovery rate of 82%, compared to just 35% for non-tracked vehicles.
| Province | Theft Rate | Yearly Change | Recovery Rate | Most Targeted Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 248 | -4% | 68% | Toyota Hilux, VW Polo, Ford Ranger |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 196 | +2% | 62% | Nissan NP200, Toyota Corolla |
| Western Cape | 173 | -5% | 71% | VW Polo, Toyota Quantum |
| Eastern Cape | 142 | 0% | 58% | Toyota Hilux, Isuzu KB |
| Mpumalanga | 131 | +3% | 61% | Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger |
| Limpopo | 118 | -2% | 59% | Toyota Hilux, Nissan NP300 |
| North West | 127 | +1% | 57% | Toyota Hilux, VW Polo |
| Free State | 109 | -3% | 63% | Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger |
| Northern Cape | 87 | -4% | 66% | Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner |
Source: SAPS Crime Statistics 2025, Tracker Recovery Data
Double cab bakkies continue to be the most targeted vehicle type, with the Toyota Hilux maintaining its unfortunate position as South Africa's most stolen vehicle for the eighth consecutive year.
Other frequently targeted models include the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Polo, and Toyota Corolla. Luxury SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest also feature prominently in theft statistics.
Light commercial vehicles, particularly the Toyota Quantum and Nissan NP200, experience high theft rates due to their value for parts and use in informal transportation sectors.
Truck and trailer hijackings have decreased by 7% in 2025, largely due to improved security measures and tracking systems implemented by fleet operators.
Vehicles equipped with tracking devices have significantly higher recovery chances, with an 82% success rate in 2025.
Tracked vehicles are recovered in less than half the time of non-tracked vehicles (9.4 hours vs. 21.7 hours).
| Tracker Technology | Recovery Rate | Average Recovery Time | Theft Prevention Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telematics + GPS | 89% | 7.2 hours | 68% |
| GPS Only | 78% | 10.8 hours | 42% |
| Radio Frequency | 71% | 14.3 hours | 35% |
| No Tracking Device | 35% | 21.7 hours | 12% |
Source: Tracker Recovery Data 2025, Insurance Industry Reports
The most effective vehicle security employs a multi-layered approach, combining physical security devices with electronic tracking systems.
Data shows that vehicles with both immobilizers and tracking systems experience 73% fewer successful theft attempts compared to vehicles with only one form of protection.
The first hour after a theft is critical for recovery. Vehicles reported within 15 minutes of theft have a 78% recovery rate, compared to 42% for those reported after 4 hours.
Modern tracking systems that automatically alert owners and monitoring centers immediately upon unauthorized movement significantly improve recovery chances.
These vehicle theft statistics for South Africa are compiled from multiple sources including:
All data is anonymized and aggregated to protect privacy while providing accurate insights into vehicle crime trends. Statistics are updated quarterly as new data becomes available.
Last updated: January 15, 2025