The most stolen car this year in SA is the bakkie, with the hatchback coming in at a close second. Bakkies are a favourite target for criminals because of their versatility and high demand, making them perfect for cross-border theft and resale. They also usually have basic security measures and blend in on the roads, which makes them prime targets.
2026 SAPS crime stats back this, showing that around 85 vehicles get stolen every day nationwide—the bakkie model being the most targeted vehicle in the country. It reflects a serious demand for car parts on the black market, as well as extreme pressure and worries for the everyday workhorse that families and businesses rely on.
The data clearly shows you the truth. Keep your eyes peeled and stay on top of the stats. Read on to find out more about the most targeted cars, learn from some case studies, and keep your vehicle safe with our Cartrack safety solutions.
The most commonly targeted vehicle types in South Africa are bakkies. Bakkies are so popular amongst both families & businesses, so it makes them the best target for opportunistic and calculated thieves alike. They keep thieves under the radar because they blend in easily on the roads, and off-ramps, intersections, and driveways seem to be their prime spots for targeting.
Thieves and syndicates target cars like bakkies because:
Although we understand the why behind the theft of these cars, it’s also important to understand the how. Computer box swapping and key cloning are very advanced techniques that are growing in popularity among thieves.
When bakkies aren’t kitted out with modern safety measures, it makes them far easier for thieves to target.
On August 24th, 2025, Cartrack’s Recovery Team was dispatched for a Toyota Hilux that was stolen in Boksburg. This bakkie type has been on the high-risk car list for years. The recovery team also received information that a black luxury car was used as the getaway vehicle.
With that, our recovery team followed the location updates provided by the Cartrack GPS tracking device, which led them to Devland. Upon arrival, they spotted the black luxury car and intercepted it.
Inside the vehicle was:
Aided by the SAPS, our recovery team then searched a property nearby and recovered the vehicle. The suspect was apprehended and detained at the Eldorado SAPS. The vehicle was booked in at the Lenasia Vehicle Identification Services.
Some of the hijacking hotspots are largely located around Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. Gauteng is at the top of the list because of its dense population. The province’s high traffic volume can make for easy targets and easier getaway opportunities for thieves, especially on highways.
These are some of the infamous areas by province:
On August 10th, 2025, Cartrack’s Recovery team was dispatched for a hijacked bakkie that was later located in Winterveld, Northern Pretoria. The GPS tracking device pointed to the location, and aided by SAPS, our recovery team swiftly proceeded to the location and successfully recovered the bakkie.
On the scene, our team found:
Two suspects were apprehended. The suspects were handed over to the Soshanguve SAPS team, and the vehicle was taken to the Pretoria West Pound.
Check out our simple graphic below to get a better idea of how signal jamming works:
The security features that are recommended for high-risk vehicles in South Africa are:
These should be provided in addition to traditional functions, like steering wheel locks, gear locks, Faraday pouches, and alarms.
Did you know? Cartrack can provide you with every single one of these safety features! We can offer you:
No matter the car, the threat of theft is a real and concerning issue. Thieves are getting smarter, their technologies are getting savvier, and you shouldn’t be waiting for the worst to happen before taking the right steps. Be proactive about your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Outsmart the syndicates with Cartrack by your side. Talk to one of our professionals today and see what safety features we have available for you.
Protect your beloved car by knowing the risks. From bakkies to hatchbacks, look into the most stolen cars in SA this year and how to stay secure.
