These 10 Cars Were The Most Common Models Stolen Last Year

March 16, 2022

Very few of us keep our cars in our garages these days, as they've become more of a storage locker for unused items than a resting place for our automobiles. Admittedly, this practice can make vehicle theft that much easier for criminals who could stroll the street and set their sights on many different cars. Vehicle theft may seem random but certain makes and models are targeted more than others, and it's often those with a good resale value that get pinched most often. If you own any of the following, we would recommend keeping a close eye on it, as you own one of the ten most commonly stolen models of last year, according to Tracker security firm.

10. BMW 5 Series

Coming in at number 10 is BMW's 5 Series sedan. Tracker reports that as cars have become increasingly more high-tech, criminals have discovered ways to hack into their onboard security systems using uncomplicated electronic devices that are purchased online. What this means is, thieves can hack into a car and drive it right out of the owner's driveway without making a scene.

9. Land Rover Defender

The boxy Land Rover Defender comes in as the 9th most stolen model of the last year. While this style may not be everyone's cup of tea, luxury 4x4's have proven to be the most popularly targeted class of vehicles by thieves who run "steal to order" rings where vehicles are stolen and shipped overseas to be sold.

8. Range Rover Vogue

Range Rover recently revealed that their vehicles were stolen at a rapid rate of more than ten a week. While the high-end Range Rover Vogue might be the 8th most commonly stolen car of the last year, it's not the only Range Rover you're going to see on this list.

7. Range Rover Autobiography

Even more favored among thieves is the Range Rover Autobiography, which can hold a value upwards of $150,000. If you're a Range Rover owner concerned about the potential theft of your investment, you'll be happy to know that Range Rover has a stolen vehicle recovery rate of 90.5% thanks to an updated onboard security system.

6. BMW 3 Series

The second car made by BMW to make this list is the 3 Series; coming in 6th among the most commonly stolen models of the year according to Tracker. While thieves are now able to hack into many high-tech cars using small electronic devices, the security firm reports that one in three vehicles recovered after theft were stolen using the owner's own keys.

5. Mercedes E Class

In a list dominated by luxury 4X4's, the Mercedes-Benz E Class sees itself at #5 on the list of most stolen cars of the year. Given the high-end nature of the cars on this list thus far, it's no real surprise that Mercedes are in high demand among thieves as well.

4. Mercedes C Class

Coming in just slightly ahead of the E Class, the Mercedes C Class seems to be a little more sought after as it comes in as the 4th most commonly stolen vehicle of last year. Security firm Tracker reports that the most expensive stolen vehicle recovered by their firm was a Mercedes Benz G83 valued at over $200,000.

3. BMW M3

The sporty BMW M3 sedan is next at #3. While luxury 4X4's seem to be most attractive to career car thieves, it seems that a high-performance vehicle such as this has also proved to be a hot target as well.

2. Range Rover Sport

Tracker reports that while the Range Rover Sport is not quite as common as previous years, it's popularity for theft isn't finished as the stylish luxury 4X4 finds itself slipping from the first to the second most stolen car of this year.

1. BMW X5

The BMW X5 comes in as the most stolen automobile of last year as reported by Tracker. This 4X4 is off-road-ready and has a value ranging from $50,000 to $110,000, so while it may not be the most expensive car to make this list, there's obviously something about this vehicle that makes it ultra-attractive to thieves.

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