Car Thefts Decline Overall, But Q3 Sees Uptick, Worrying Drivers

Car thefts in Israel have decreased by 20% since the beginning of 2026, according to new data. However, the third quarter of the year saw a renewed increase in vehicle thefts, raising concerns for drivers.

The data, released by Ituran, a vehicle tracking company, analyzed a sample of 1.1 million vehicles. While overall thefts are down, SUVs and "jeep-style" vehicles continue to be the most targeted, making up 40% of stolen vehicles. Newer models, manufactured between 2023 and 2026, are also disproportionately affected, accounting for 48% of thefts.

Technological methods are the primary means of car theft, with 56% of thefts in the first three quarters of 2026 occurring via connection to the OBD-II port to code a new key. In 22% of cases, the thief possessed the vehicle's original key. Violent break-ins accounted for 10% of thefts, while 12% involved towing or loading the vehicle for removal.

The Gush Dan region, encompassing Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, remains the primary hotspot for car thefts, accounting for 41% of all incidents. Jerusalem and Modi'in followed with 18%, the Sharon region with 15%, the South with 14%, and the Shfela region with 10%. Northern Israel and Judea and Samaria each reported only 1% of thefts.

Interestingly, the proportion of hybrid vehicles among stolen cars decreased, while the share of electric vehicles increased. Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva together accounted for over a third of attempted vehicle thefts recorded in the third quarter. The preferred time for car thieves remains late at night, with five times more thefts occurring between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM compared to daylight hours. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, saw the highest number of car thefts in the first three quarters of the year.