The number of stolen cars went up by 12% in 2025 compared to a year earlier, triggering over €127 million worth of claims, figures from car crime insurers’ agency VbV show.

Some 7,497 cars were stolen, with the average damages claim costing €17,061, almost 24% more than in 2024. Cars are getting more expensive and thieves are targeting top-tier models more often, VbV said.

Company van theft went up by 6% to 2,055. Fewer motorbikes (1,866) and mopeds (10,018) were stolen, dropping by 7% and 3% respectively.

As in previous years, the Toyota RAV4 from 2019 proved the most popular car for thieves. Some 387 were stolen, up 13% compared to 2024. The Kia Sportage was also in demand, with 162 models from 2021 stolen in 2025, over double the number in 2024.

In third place came the Fiat 500 (from 2015), Volkswagen Polo (from 2017), and the Toyota C-HR (2026-2024).

Of the 6,945 cars that were recovered, 913 were found abroad. Most were found in Germany, Belgium and Bulgaria.

“The mounting figures show that car theft is a serious and growing problem, VbV director Edwin Karelsen said. Drivers are advised to take extra safety measures, such as a CCV-approved security system.