In January 2024, analysts reported a clear regional pattern in the share of new cars announced with alarms. The Arkhangelsk, Samara, and Omsk regions showed the highest proportions, with alarms documented in roughly three-quarters, six-tenths, and more than half of new vehicles, respectively. This assessment comes from a summary by Izvestia reporters citing industry sources and Avto.ru data.
In the national context, the share of cars equipped with security features varies by market. Moscow registered about two-fifths, while St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region had roughly one-fifth of new vehicles delivered with alarms. The most common factory-installed anti-theft options are central locking and immobilizers, present in about 95% of vehicles sold. Traditional alarm systems and feedback alarms are less common, appearing in around 28% and 4% of cars respectively.
Analysts observed that nearly every new car sold in the Russian market includes at least one anti-theft feature, underscoring broad industry adoption of basic security technology.
Looking at specific models, the end of 2023 saw certain vehicles appear more frequently in theft reports. Popular SUVs such as Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson, along with Kia K5 and Hyundai Palisade, were among the most targeted. In the premium segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was also cited in theft data. Among Chinese brands, models like Chery Tiggo and Exeed TXL were repeatedly listed in theft statistics.
Overall, total car thefts in 2023 rose by about 15% compared with the prior year. The spike was most notable in February, May, August, and September, indicating seasonal or market-driven drivers behind theft activity during those months.
Corporate fleets emerged as a particularly affected group, accounting for nearly half of reported incidents, highlighting the higher risk profile for business vehicle operations.
One recurring question for owners and fleet managers is how thieves identify and target vehicles. The answer lies in a combination of model popularity, regional availability, and the level of security features installed, which collectively influence theft patterns and risk planning for the upcoming year. Data from current security assessments stress the importance of layered protection that includes immobilizers, alarm systems, and robust physical security measures to deter theft and reduce loss exposure.