The Toyota RAV4 has overtaken the Renault Clio as France’s most stolen car, according to new data released on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The annual ranking of the most targeted vehicle models, revealed by insurance companies, places the RAV4 at the top, followed by the Hyundai Tucson and the Toyota C-HR. This shift comes as overall car thefts in France decreased by 6% in 2025, according to figures from France Assureurs and the GIE Argos.
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Bouches-du-Rhône Remains Hotspot for Car Theft
Despite the nationwide decline in vehicle thefts, the Bouches-du-Rhône department continues to be the most affected region in France. In 2025, a total of 4,289 vehicles were stolen in the department, representing 7.6% of all car thefts across the country. The Nord and Rhône departments followed closely behind, rounding out the top three most targeted areas.
The rise of the Toyota RAV4 as a prime target is a notable development. Previously, the Renault Clio consistently held the top spot in theft rankings, both nationally and in the Provence region. The change suggests evolving preferences among thieves, potentially driven by demand for specific vehicle parts or for export.
Regional Variations in Theft Rates
While the Bouches-du-Rhône experiences the highest volume of car thefts, other regions show varying trends. The Vaucluse department recorded 523 vehicle thefts in 2025, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year. Similarly, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence saw a 27% reduction in thefts, with 112 vehicles stolen. These declines indicate that targeted policing efforts and preventative measures may be having a positive impact in certain areas.
Beyond Cars: Trends in Other Vehicle Thefts
The data as well reveals trends in the theft of other vehicle types. Two-wheeled vehicles experienced a 17% decrease in thefts nationwide in 2025, while utility vehicle thefts fell by 9%. However, thefts of construction and agricultural equipment saw a significant increase of 14%, suggesting a shift in criminal activity towards these types of vehicles.
These thefts are often concentrated in departments that “offer logistical conditions facilitating the departure of vehicles,” according to reports, hinting at organized networks involved in dismantling and exporting stolen goods.
Organized Crime and Vehicle Theft
Authorities believe that many of these thefts are carried out by well-organized gangs. These groups often target specific vehicle models based on demand, either for resale within France or for export to other countries. The logistical advantages offered by certain departments, such as proximity to ports and major transportation routes, develop them particularly attractive to these criminal networks.
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Looking Ahead
As authorities continue to investigate and disrupt these criminal networks, it remains crucial for vehicle owners to take preventative measures to protect their vehicles. These measures include parking in well-lit areas, installing anti-theft devices and being vigilant about suspicious activity. Further data and analysis from France Assureurs and GIE Argos are expected in the coming months, providing a more comprehensive understanding of evolving vehicle theft trends.
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