Do you think cars are no longer stolen? The numbers for 2025 say otherwise. According to data from the Register of Vehicle Operation Records (RPZV), almost 2,000 vehicles were reported as missing/stolen last year. Modern thefts often do not look like a movie chase or a broken window. Thieves today use technology, signal jammers, relay attacks and carefully select vehicles that have a high value or can be quickly disassembled for parts.
Data published by the RPZV portal shows that the most frequently missing vehicles are Volkswagen Group vehicles, with Škoda models dominating among passenger cars. However, there is also significant interest in company vans, which thieves often use for resale or reselling spare parts.
Bratislava leads in vehicle theft rates
The highest number of thefts was recorded in the Bratislava region, which accounts for approximately a third of all cases in Slovakia. This is no coincidence. Large cities, heavy traffic, numerous parking lots and a high concentration of vehicles create ideal conditions for organized groups of thieves.
However, thefts do not only concern luxury vehicles. On the contrary – common models that are easier to sell or disassemble for parts are also a frequent target. That is why the most endangered vehicles are those that we encounter on the roads every day.
Škoda at the forefront: Popularity is a double-edged sword
According to RPZV data, Škoda has long been one of the most stolen brands in Slovakia. The reason is simple – it is one of the most widespread brands on the market, which means high demand for spare parts and easier “blend” of the stolen vehicle with traffic.
In addition to passenger cars, Fiat vans are also stolen significantly, which are popular especially among entrepreneurs and courier companies. Such vehicles often contain expensive tools, equipment or cargo, making them a doubly attractive target. Thieves choose not only by brand, but also by the type of security. Vehicles without more advanced protection are easier targets for them.
Modern Thefts: Silent, Fast and Without Damage
While thefts were once associated with violent break-ins, today they often occur without any visible damage. Relay attacks can extend the original key signal, jammers disable alarm communication, and sophisticated electronics allow thieves to start the vehicle within seconds.
The owner often notices the problem only in the morning, when the car simply disappears from the parking lot. That is why it is not enough to rely only on factory security today.
Why is a modern car alarm more important than ever?
Advanced Pandora Alarm systems are designed to protect against modern methods of theft. It is not just a classic siren, but multi-level vehicle protection.
In the event of an attempt to break in, break a window, or unauthorized entry, the system immediately notifies the owner via a mobile application. At the same time, a loud siren is activated and advanced engine blocking prevents the vehicle from starting without authorization.
Selected systems also offer:
- Protection against relay attacks
- GPS vehicle localization
- Real-time alerts
- Protection against signal interference
- Detection of vehicle movement, tilting or towing
The result is a significantly higher chance that the thief will not be able to steal at all.
Prevention is always cheaper than losing the vehicle
RPZV data show that vehicle thefts in Slovakia have definitely not disappeared. Only the way thieves work has changed. They are faster, more technologically equipped and often choose vehicles with insufficient security.
That is why it is worth thinking about protecting your car before it becomes another number in the statistics.
Source: RPZV
