Spain recorded a total of 8,031 vehicle thefts during the first three months of 2024, according to data provided by the Ministry of the Interior’s Crime Portal. This figure represents an increase of 2.4% compared to the same period last year. Everything indicates that the increase in thefts is attributable to the growing sophistication of organised criminal networks and the high demand for spare parts on the black market.
According to the ministry’s data, the communities where the most robberies have occurred during the year have been the Community of Madrid, with 1,898 robberies (+2.0%), Catalonia, with 1,888 (although with a decrease of 6.3%) and Andalusia, with 1,526 (+13.3%). Not all autonomous communities have had a similar evolution in this problem.
The increase in vehicle thefts stands out in Cantabria, (103.8%, 543 thefts), Ceuta (+77.3%, 39), Melilla (63.6%, 19 and La Rioja (+61.5%, 21 robberies). 45 robberies (+7.1%) and the Basque Country, 162 robberies (+4.5%).
On the contrary, the communities that have evolved the best during the first three months of 2024 have been Asturias, with 54 robberies (-20.6%) and Navarra, with 32 robberies (-20.0%) that have seen how they have had significant decreases due to greater effectiveness in the prevention strategies of State security forces, international cooperation and improvements in surveillance and security measures implemented by vehicle owners.
Other communities that are progressing favourably are the Balearic Islands, with a decrease of 11.1% although 335 robberies, Aragón, (-9.5% and 86 robberies), Murcia (-8.9% and 214 robberies), Castilla y León (- 7.4% and 112 robberies) and Galicia (-4.4% and 131 robberies).
If the trend of the first quarter continues throughout the year, it is very likely that the number of thefts will exceed 32,820 in 2023, without considering thefts or misappropriations.
José Rubio, General Manager of LoJack Iberia, explained: “The figures for vehicle thefts during the first months of 2024 alert us to a major problem in society that we need to solve, especially as the summer holidays approach. At LoJack, thanks to the installation of our device (always in a secret location), advanced solutions for tracking and recovering vehicles, and close collaboration with state security forces, we ensure that our users have their vehicles back in their possession, usually in record time.”
Recommendations to prevent vehicle theft
To reduce the number of car thefts, efforts must be made on several fronts. On the one hand, authorities must continue to strengthen crime prevention strategies and international cooperation to combat the illegal trade in cars and car parts. On the other hand, drivers are advised to take these additional security measures:
- Installation of anti-theft devices: the use of immobilisers, alarms and tracking systems, such as those offered by the specialist vehicle security company LoJack, are a guarantee that can make the difference in the event of theft. LoJack recovers many stolen vehicles thanks to a technology that prevents the action of GPS/GSM/GPRS signal inhibitors, and that works even in garages or basements.
- Park in well-lit and busy areas: Most thefts are committed in low-traffic environments and in areas with little or no visibility. Having the vehicle in garages or, preferably, secure parking lots, can make a difference.
- Use of physical blocks: Use bars on the steering wheel or pedals that may make the mobility of the vehicle impossible.
Vehicle thefts by Autonomous Communities:
- Andalusia: 1,526 (+13.3%)
- Aragon: 86 (-9.5%)
- Asturias: 54 (-20,6%)
- Balearic Islands: 335 (-11.1%)
- Canary Islands: 403 (+8.3%)
- Cantabria: 53 (+103.8%)
- Castile and Leon: 112 (-7.4%)
- Castile-La Mancha: 181 (+29.3%)
- Catalonia: 1,888 (-6.3%)
- Valencian Community: 805 (+8.6%)
- Extremadura: 45 (+7.1%)
- Galicia: 131 (-4.4%)
- Madrid: 1.898 (+2,0%)
- Murcia: 214 (-8.9%)
- Navarra: 32 (-20.0%)
- Basque Country: 162 (+4.5%)
- La Rioja: 21 (+61.5%)
- Ceuta: 39 (+77.3%)
- Melilla: 18 (+63.6%)
- Abroad: 28 (+3.7%)
Other Articles
