Most Smuggled and Targeted Cars in South Africa
The recent apprehension of a man attempting to smuggle a stolen Toyota Fortuner to Zimbabwe has raised the question of which cars are the most smuggled and targeted in South Africa.
South Africans, Beware! These Are the Cars Most Targeted by Criminals
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime intelligence unit, the most targeted vehicles in South Africa are:
- VW Polo
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Etios
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Fortuner
- Nissan NP200
Pop Hatchbacks and Bakkies: The Most Popular Targets for Hijackers
SAPS statistics show that sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes account for the majority of hijacked vehicles, followed by bakkies. This pattern is confirmed by Fidelity ADT, which reports that these vehicle categories accounted for 47% and 29% of all hijacked vehicles in the first quarter of 2023-2024.
SAPS Statistics Reveal the Most Targeted Vehicles in South Africa
The following table shows the top 10 most targeted vehicles in South Africa, according to SAPS statistics:
| Rank | Vehicle | Number of hijackings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VW Polo | 2,259 |
| 2 | Toyota Hilux | 1,582 |
| 3 | Toyota Etios | 1,321 |
| 4 | Ford Ranger | 1,298 |
| 5 | Toyota Fortuner | 1,120 |
| 6 | Nissan NP200 | 1,098 |
| 7 | BMW X5 | 876 |
| 8 | Toyota Corolla | 845 |
| 9 | Hyundai Tucson | 812 |
| 10 | Honda CR-V | 798 |
Fidelity ADT Warns South Africans Against Driving These Cars
Fidelity ADT has warned South Africans against driving the most targeted vehicles, and has urged them to take precautions to protect themselves from hijackings, such as:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid driving alone at night.
- Park in well-lit areas and install anti-theft devices in your vehicle.
- Vary your route to and from work and home.
- If you are approached by hijackers, do not resist and hand over your vehicle.
Conclusion
South Africans are advised to be aware of the most targeted vehicles in the country and to take precautions to protect themselves from hijackings.