Nearly every third car theft in Germany occurs in Berlin

By Olivia Logan

Figures from the German Insurance Association have revealed that German drivers are more likely to have their car stolen if they park it in Berlin or Brandenburg.

High number of car thefts in Berlin and Brandenburg, according to GDV

Last year, 4.266 fully insured cars were stolen in Berlin, according to the German Insurance Association (GDV). This amounts to a 45,9 percent increase on the previous year’s figures and means that a car was stolen in the capital almost every two hours.

“Almost every third car stolen nationwide in Germany is stolen in Berlin,” the GDV said in an announcement. The recurring theft costs insurance companies in the capital an average of 22.500 euros per case.

In Brandenburg, the federal state which surrounds Berlin, car thefts are on the rise. In 2023, there were 1.325 theft cases in Brandenburg, a 20,7 percent increase on previous figures. In Saxony, a comparatively low 652 cars were stolen, but the state saw a 24,4 per cent rise in thefts.

Which cars are most likely to be stolen in Germany?

The GDV also released information about which cars are the most likely to be stolen nationwide. According to the association, a Volkswagen (VW) is the most at risk, with 1.810 stolen in 2023.

Toyotas (including Lexus) are the second most likely to be stolen, followed by Audis. Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars (including Minis) round out the top five car models most likely to be stolen in Germany.

Thumb image credit: Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.com

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Olivia Logan

Editor at IamExpat Media

Editor for Germany at IamExpat Media. Olivia first came to Germany in 2013 to work as an Au Pair. Since studying English Literature and German in Scotland, Freiburg and Berlin she has worked as a features journalist and news editor.Read more

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