The state of São Paulo recorded a 16.3% decrease in car thefts and robberies during the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. From January to April, a total of 16,153 incidents were recorded. According to data compiled in the Tracker-Fecap Economic Bulletin, the most significant decline was observed in robberies, with a sharp drop of 40.9%. Thefts also fell, though to a lesser extent, showing a 12.1% reduction.
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Pre-Owned Vehicles
Pre-owned vehicles, defined as those up to six years old, accounted for 26.7% of all automobile-related police reports. In the state of São Paulo, incidents involving vehicles manufactured since 2019 declined by 17.3%. In the capital city of São Paulo, this reduction was even more pronounced, reaching 28.6%.
Targeted Car Models
The Fiat Mobi Like and Argo Drive 1.0 remain the most frequently targeted models in the state. Nonetheless, both models experienced notable reductions in reported incidents: 16.2% for the Mobi Like and 23.8% for the Argo Drive. Other Fiat models, including the Argo Trekking 1.0, Strada Volcano pickup, and Cronos Drive 1.3 sedan, also recorded significant drops, reinforcing a broader downward trend involving the brand’s vehicles.
Top 10 Most Stolen or Robbed Used Vehicles
See below the top 10 thefts and robberies of used vehicles by make and model in the state of São Paulo.
- Fiat Mobi: 192 incidents
- Fiat Argo Drive: 179 incidents
- Renault Kwid: 125 incidents
- Fiat (other models): 120 incidents
- Hyundai HB20 Sense: 93 incidents
- Fiat Strada Volcano: 87 incidents
- Fiat Argo: 72 incidents
- Hyundai HB20 Comfort: 72 incidents
- Fiat Argo Trekking: 68 incidents
- Fiat Strada Freedom: 67 incidents
Incident Locations
Public roads continue to be the primary locations for these crimes. Of the 4,309 incidents analyzed, 3,833—representing nearly 89% occurred on streets, avenues, and other open public spaces. This points to the considerable risk vehicle owners face when parking or driving in uncontrolled environments.
Parking Lots and Garages
Parking lots and garages ranked as the second most common settings for vehicle crimes, with 183 reported cases. This figure is particularly concerning given the general perception of safety in these types of locations. Other notable locations include commercial and service establishments (101 incidents), residential properties (62), and various less frequent areas such as business centers, highways, shopping malls, and rural zones.
Analysis:
The decline in vehicle thefts and robberies in São Paulo in early 2025 is a positive sign of more effective urban security measures, yet the persistence of certain patterns reveals underlying structural issues. While the state recorded a 16.3% drop in incidents compared to the same period in 2024, the continued targeting of specific car models—especially pre-owned vehicles—suggests that theft remains a lucrative alternative to the high cost and scarcity of new auto parts. Criminal networks increasingly rely on dismantling stolen vehicles to supply parts for the informal market, where demand continues to grow amid inflation and import challenges.
Furthermore, with nearly 89% of incidents occurring on public roads, the data indicates a continued need for more structured urban planning and policing strategies.
