Latvia's State Police reports a continued decline in registered car thefts, with 'Volkswagen', 'Audi', 'BMW', 'Volvo', and 'Mercedes Benz' being the most stolen brands.
In the past year, Latvia registered a total of 205 car thefts, according to the State Police's annual report. The top stolen vehicles were the 'Volkswagen', 'Audi', 'BMW', 'Volvo', and 'Mercedes Benz'. This figure reflects a steady decline in car thefts over recent years, indicating successful anti-theft measures or changing target behaviors among criminals.
Looking at the statistical trends, in 2024, car thefts increased slightly to 220 incidents, with 'Audi A6', 'Audi A4', and 'Volkswagen Passat' leading the list of stolen vehicles. Interestingly, there were also reports of thefts involving electric vehicles, such as 'Tesla' and 'Hyundai Ioniq', suggesting a growing interest, or potential criminal opportunism, in stealing newer technologies within the car market.
The report highlights that 2023 saw 250 registered car thefts, with recurring mentions of the 'BMW' 3 and 5 series, and 'Volkswagen Golf' among the most targeted. The overall trend shows a significant drop in car thefts over the years, from 287 incidents in 2022 and 305 in 2021, indicating perhaps a combination of increased public awareness, better vehicle security systems, and police response strategies addressing this crime effectively.
