Around 45,000 vehicles are stolen in South Africa each year, but the risk is far from equal. Check yours based on model, province, parking and driving habits.
Thefts per 100,000 registered vehicles. Source: our 2026 vehicle theft statistics.
| Province | Theft rate | Recovery rate | Most targeted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 248 | 68% | Toyota Hilux, VW Polo, Ford Ranger |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 196 | 62% | Nissan NP200, Toyota Corolla |
| Western Cape | 173 | 71% | VW Polo, Toyota Quantum |
| Eastern Cape | 142 | 58% | Toyota Hilux, Isuzu KB |
| Mpumalanga | 131 | 61% | Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger |
| North West | 127 | 57% | Toyota Hilux, VW Polo |
| Limpopo | 118 | 59% | Toyota Hilux, Nissan NP300 |
| Free State | 109 | 63% | Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger |
| Northern Cape | 87 | 66% | Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner |
We start from your province's theft rate compared with the national average, then adjust for how heavily your model is targeted, where you park overnight, your area type and how often you drive after dark. It's an indicative guide to help you choose the right level of protection, not an insurance rating.
The Toyota Hilux has been South Africa's most-stolen vehicle for around eight years running. The Ford Ranger, VW Polo and Toyota Corolla also feature prominently, alongside SUVs such as the Fortuner and Everest.
A tracker mainly improves your chances of getting the car back, and getting it back faster. A visible, active tracker and an immobiliser can also deter thieves. See how many cars are recovered with trackers.