Key Takeaways
- Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes remain the most hijacked vehicles in South Africa, accounting for 44.4% of all incidents in Q4 2024/2025.
- Bakkies and panel vans maintain their position as the second most targeted category at 33.1% of hijackings.
- Motorcycles showed a dramatic 20.2% increase in targeting, while heavy trucks experienced a 56.8% surge.
- Your own driveway remains the highest-risk location for vehicle hijacking incidents.
- Theftbuster Plus from Bidvest Insurance provides essential financial protection against the additional costs of vehicle crime.
Car hijacking continues to pose a significant threat to South African drivers in 2025. If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle, understanding which types of cars criminals target most can help you make informed decisions about both your vehicle choice and security measures.
The latest crime statistics reveal evolving patterns in vehicle targeting, with some encouraging decreases, but concerning new trends emerging. Here’s everything you need to know about South Africa’s most hijacked cars in 2025.
The Most Hijacked Cars in South Africa: 2025 Statistics
According to the latest South African Police Service (SAPS) data from the Fourth Quarter 2024/2025 (January-March 2025), 4,546 vehicles were hijacked during this three-month period alone. This represents approximately 50 vehicles hijacked daily – or one vehicle stolen every 32 minutes.
Top 3 Most Targeted Vehicle Categories
1. Sedans, Hatchbacks, and Coupes (44.4% of all hijackings)
2,016 incidents were recorded in Q4 2024/2025, making this category the clear leader in vehicle crime statistics. Despite remaining the most targeted category, these vehicles showed an encouraging 13.8% decrease from the previous quarter. These types of cars are frequently targeted due to their high resale value and readily available spare parts market.
2. Bakkies and Panel Vans (33.1% of all hijackings)
With 1,503 incidents in Q4 2024/2025, commercial vehicles maintained consistent targeting levels with virtually no change from Q3. High demand for commercial vehicles drives continued criminal interest, particularly for cross-border trafficking operations.
3. SUVs and Station Wagons (7.5% of all hijackings)
Recording 341 incidents in Q4 2024/2025, this category showed a concerning 4.6% increase from the previous quarter. Growing criminal interest stems from their high resale value and strong cross-border demand.
Emerging Concerns: Rising Targets
Several vehicle categories showed significant increases in 2025:
Motorcycles (+20.2%)
291 incidents were recorded in Q4 2024/2025, representing a dramatic surge that reflects the growing popularity of motorcycles for delivery services and personal transport. The increase in motorcycle targeting correlates directly with the expansion of food delivery platforms and courier services, making these vehicles both more visible and valuable to criminals seeking easy-to-steal, high-demand targets.
Trucks Over 3500kg (+56.8%)
58 incidents in Q4 2024/2025 represented the highest percentage increase among all categories. This surge indicates growing criminal interest in heavy commercial vehicles, likely driven by the valuable cargo these trucks often carry and their utility for criminal operations.
New Target Categories
For the first time, SAPS data revealed hijackings targeting previously unreported vehicle types including ambulances, agricultural machinery, and truck-and-trailer combinations. These new categories indicate that criminal syndicates are expanding their targeting scope as security measures improve around traditional targets, forcing criminals to seek alternative opportunities.
Why These Cars Are Targeted
Understanding why criminals target specific vehicles helps explain the patterns:
Market Demand Factors
High resale value drives much of the targeting, as popular models retain their worth in both local and cross-border markets. Common vehicles also have ready markets for spare parts, making them attractive to criminals who may dismantle vehicles for components. Export potential plays a significant role, many hijacked vehicles are trafficked to neighbouring countries where they fetch premium prices.
Operational Factors
Security vulnerabilities in older models often lack advanced anti-theft systems, making them easier targets for criminals. Predictable patterns among regular commuters create opportunities for surveillance and planned attacks. Commercial value makes bakkies and panel vans particularly attractive as they serve dual purposes.
Hijacking Hotspots: High-Risk Locations
Car hijackings remain a daily occurrence that can happen anywhere, but certain locations present higher risks:
Your Driveway
Surprisingly, your own driveway tops the list of hijacking hotspots. Criminals target homeowners during predictable arrival and departure times when guards are often down. To protect yourself, vary your daily routines and timing, install adequate security lighting and cameras, be extra vigilant when approaching your home, and consider automated gates for added security.
School Zones
Drop-off and pick-up times at schools create concentrated opportunities for criminals who target distracted parents during predictable schedules. Avoid lingering before or after school times, park in monitored security zones where possible, stay alert to your surroundings during school runs, and consider carpooling to reduce exposure.
Petrol Stations
Fuel stations remain high-risk areas where drivers are stationary and often distracted by refuelling activities. Keep windows closed whilst refuelling, ensure valuables remain completely out of sight, pay attention to your surroundings, and choose well-lit, busy petrol stations whenever possible.
Traffic Intersections
Criminals have become bold, targeting vehicles even in broad daylight during heavy traffic at intersections and traffic lights. Leave adequate space between vehicles for escape routes, keep doors locked and windows closed in traffic, be especially vigilant during peak hours between 15:00 and 22:00, and avoid using mobile phones whilst stationary.
Protection Strategies for High-Risk Vehicles
If You Own a High-Risk Vehicle
For Sedan, Hatchback, and Coupe Owners
Given that these vehicles represent the highest risk category, owners should invest in comprehensive security systems including immobilisers and tracking devices. Consider window tinting to obscure contents from potential criminals, vary daily routes and timing to avoid predictable patterns, and install steering wheel locks as visible deterrents that may encourage criminals to seek easier targets.
For Bakkie and Panel Van Owners
Vehicle owners face unique challenges and should secure cargo areas with additional locks beyond standard security. Remove tools and equipment when vehicles are unattended, consider GPS tracking specifically and consistently park in secure, monitored locations whenever possible.
Insurance Protection: Theftbuster Plus
Given the persistent threat of vehicle crime, Comprehensive Insurance protection becomes essential. Theftbuster Plus from Bidvest Insurance provides specialised coverage for vehicle crime victims:
Key Benefits
Theftbuster Plus provides insurance excess cover up to R15,000, ensuring you won’t face large out-of-pocket expenses when claiming. Personal belongings replacement covers items stolen during hijackings, whilst trauma counselling support worth R2,000 helps with psychological recovery. The policy includes car hire coverage worth R3,500 during claim processing, a loyalty bonus of R10,000 for total loss incidents, and crime scene vehicle clean-up worth R10,000 to remove traumatic reminders.
Why It Matters
With only 30 to 40% of South African vehicles adequately insured, many drivers face significant financial exposure beyond basic vehicle replacement. Theftbuster Plus addresses these additional costs including replacement of personal items stolen during hijackings, accommodation and transport arrangements whilst arranging alternatives, psychological support for trauma recovery, and excess payments on insurance claims that can amount to thousands of rands.
Have you ever been a victim of a smash and grab, car theft, or a hijacking? While you can’t prevent these sorts of crimes, you can protect yourself. Theftbuster Plus from Bidvest Insurance takes care of the additional expenses after these traumatic events.
Complete the form below to get Theftbuster Plus from Bidvest Insurance.
