We all know about the great vacation places that have the most sun, the prettiest mountains, and even the best pina coladas, but have you heard about the places with the highest rates of car theft? In some countries around the world, car theft isn’t just a distant nightmare - it’s a common daily occurrence. So if you ever find yourself driving down these various roads, brace yourself. Let’s explore five countries across the globe that have really high car theft rates you should be wary of.

1. Mexico

As you enjoy the luxurious feeling of staying at an all-inclusive resort, you might want to pay closer attention to the status of your car. It’s no secret that Mexico, despite its delicious tacos and vibrant fiestas, has an insane amount of car theft. In recent years, the number of stolen vehicles has hit enormous numbers, with an alarming rate of an estimated one theft every six minutes! Mexican gangs aren’t just sly and cunning, they’re incredibly tech-savvy, enabling them to bypass even the most sophisticated of security systems. Definitely drive with caution when visiting this country.

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2. New Zealand

Home of the Kiwis, you may be surprised to see this country on this list. Tucked away in the stunning scenery of New Zealand lies a rampant problem - car theft. Known for its breathtaking fjords and Lord of the Rings landscapes, it may be shocking to hear there’s such a large theft issue. And the most popular ride to snatch here? Surprisingly, it’s the Toyota Aqua, proving that thieves in New Zealand care more about reliability than luxury. So if you plan on touring this beautiful country, just make sure you park your car in a safe spot.

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3. The United States of America

Even the Land of the Free isn’t free from car thieves. In the USA, particularly in states like California, Texas, and Washington, car theft rates have increased considerably in the past couple of years. Apparently, the most stolen car in the States is the common and beloved Honda Civic. In 2022 alone, over 38,000 of these cars went missing! The next time you find yourself in the States driving a Civic, you might just want to take some extra precautions to keep it safe.

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4. Brazil 

Brazil isn’t just all about samba, soccer, and sun-kissed beaches, there are some downsides such as having an incredibly high car theft rate. Unfortunately, Brazil is a car thief’s paradise, with Sao Paulo seeing a whopping 25,000 vehicle thefts in 2020 alone. Here in this country, high-end cars and motorcycles tend to be the primary targets, so be wary if you plan on flaunting your newest purchase.

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5. Italy

In Italy, not only do they steal your heart with delicious pizza, pasta, and gelato, but they might just steal your car too. In this country, car thieves are like artists - they blend in among the tourists to hijack your vehicle. Before you even know it, your car is gone! It’s been reported that urban areas and tourist hotspots like Roman and Milan have the highest theft rates, so be aware that you should be extra careful when touring these famous areas.

Photo by Dan Novac on Unsplash

By being aware of your environment, you can practice safety measures that keep your car nice and safe. No matter where you are in the world, you should always properly lock up and keep valuables hidden. If that doesn’t feel secure enough, you can always invest in a good old-fashioned steering wheel lock too!