An insurance specialist highlighted the kinds of cars and the brands most frequently targeted by thieves in Russia in 2022. The analysis points to a clear pattern where certain makes and models appear more often in theft reports, especially among popular crossovers from Asia.
According to the expert, Japanese and South Korean vehicles accounted for the majority of stolen autos during that year. The trend underscores how model choice, vehicle type, and regional market dynamics can influence theft risk, even in a highly insured environment.
Typically, crossovers from South Korean and Japanese manufacturers were reported as the targets most often. During the summer months, a higher share of insured events involving potential hijackings involved Hyundai models such as the Santa Fe, Tucson, and Creta, along with Kia Sorento Prime and Mitsubishi Outlander. These findings reflect a combination of factors, including popularity, vehicle features, and the ease with which certain parts could be obtained on the black market. The expert notes that the availability of spare parts from certain suppliers abroad can affect criminals’ preferences and the ease of restoring or selling stolen vehicles. When a car is taken at gunpoint, the driving force behind the choice of target becomes even more apparent to investigators and insurers alike.
These observations align with broader shifts in vehicle theft risk, where rising demand for specific parts and the perceived ease of recouping losses drive criminals toward particular models. The discussion underscores the importance of robust anti-theft measures, insurance risk assessment, and preventive strategies that can deter opportunistic thefts and reduce claims costs for both drivers and insurers.
- Conversation around these trends often spreads through messaging channels and industry updates, such as commentary in specialized publications and official reports.
Inquiries about these trends are commonly addressed in insurer briefings and automotive risk analyses, where experts evaluate whether shifts in global supply chains and regional sanctions affect the availability of parts and the profitability of stolen vehicles. This context helps explain why certain brands and body styles might dominate theft statistics in a given period and region.
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