Electric Cars Lead Israel's 2025 Vehicle Theft Rates, Police Data Reveals
Newly obtained 2025 data from the Israeli police, accessed through a Freedom of Information request, reveals the most stolen car models in Israel, highlighting trends that differ from commonly publicized figures. While the Toyota Corolla is often cited as the most stolen vehicle due to its sheer numbers, it ranks only 15th when theft rates are measured relative to the number of cars on the road.
The top stolen vehicle by theft rate is the Ora 03/Punky Cat electric car, with 57 thefts out of 2,600 vehicles, followed closely by another electric model, the Seres 3, with 66 thefts from 3,101 cars. The MG EHS plug-in hybrid ranks third, with a theft rate of one in every 60 vehicles. These findings suggest a particular interest among thieves in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are also favored for their large batteries.
Besides electric cars, popular models like the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Sonata and Elantra, and rugged SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Land Cruiser also appear high on the list. The Jeep Wrangler has a theft rate of one in 82.5 vehicles, and the Land Cruiser one in 156. The data also shows that smaller cars like the Hyundai i20 and Kia Picanto have lower theft rates.
Experts emphasize the importance of public access to such data for better policing and prevention strategies. Uri Sold, head of information at the Freedom of Information Movement, criticized the delay and withholding of crime data by authorities, calling for proactive publication. Ronen Shamali, CEO of vehicle cybersecurity firm Flexidity X, warned about thieves exploiting physical access to cars’ onboard diagnostics ports to bypass security systems, urging owners to safeguard their keys.
The detailed ranking of 43 car models by theft rate provides a clearer picture of vehicle theft risks in Israel, underscoring the need for targeted law enforcement and public awareness to combat this persistent crime.
Summary: Israeli police data for 2025 shows electric cars like the Ora 03 and Seres 3 have the highest theft rates, surpassing popular models like the Toyota Corolla. The findings highlight a shift in theft patterns and call for improved public access to crime data and enhanced vehicle security measures.
