In 2024, the city of São Paulo recorded an alarming concentration of SUV theft and robbery cases, accounting for 74.1% of all such incidents in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. According to a survey by Ituran Brasil—based on official data from the Public Security Department (SSP)—a total of 6,157 cases occurred in São Paulo alone. The report highlights a sharp 31.4% rise in SUV thefts across the region compared to the previous year. Neighborhoods such as Tatuapé, Vila Formosa, and Ipiranga were identified as hotspots.
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Neighborhoods with the Highest Incidence
The highest concentrations of SUV theft and robbery cases in São Paulo were recorded in the East and South Zones of the city. The neighborhoods of Tatuapé and Vila Formosa emerged as the most affected in the East Zone, while Ipiranga in the South Zone also experienced a notable volume of occurrences. These incidents were most frequent during the evening hours, particularly between 18:00 and midnight, and were concentrated between Tuesdays and Thursdays, revealing a clear pattern in the timing and frequency of attacks.
Increase in Cases
The Metropolitan Region of São Paulo witnessed a significant 31.4% rise in SUV thefts in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. São Paulo city leads the rankings with 6,157 incidents, followed by Santo André with 645 cases, and São Bernardo do Campo with 308 occurrences. These numbers reflect a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies in managing vehicle-related crimes and underscore the need for targeted interventions in the hardest-hit regions.
Types of Crimes
The report indicates that the vast majority of SUV-related crimes in 2024 were classified as thefts, representing 71.2% of all incidents, or 5,913 out of the total cases. These thefts typically involve the stealing of a vehicle without the use of force or confrontation with the victim. The prevalence of this crime type suggests that many of the perpetrators are operating with technical expertise and possibly using advanced tools or technology to bypass security systems.
Demand for Parts
According to Ituran’s operations manager, Fernando Correia, one of the primary drivers behind the surge in SUV thefts, is the high demand for used auto parts in the illegal market. Criminal groups often target vehicles that are between five and ten years old, as these models tend to be in high demand for parts yet lack the newest anti-theft technologies. Once dismantled, these vehicles are quickly absorbed into a network of chop shops and black-market vendors, where the parts are sold or used to repair other stolen vehicles.
Main Target
The Jeep Renegade stands out as the most frequently stolen SUV model in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. The highest number of incidents involving this vehicle occurred in neighborhoods such as Tatuapé and Vila Matilde, both in the East Zone and Perdizes, located in the West Zone.
Most Targeted SUV Models
The study lists the ten most frequently stolen SUV models in the region in 2024. At the top is the Jeep Renegade, with 1,213 reported cases, followed by the Jeep Compass (733 cases), and the Ford EcoSport (688 cases). Other highly targeted models include the Nissan Kicks (625 cases), Honda HR-V (543 cases), and Hyundai Creta (407 cases). The list also features the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Duster, and Chevrolet Tracker, all of which highlight the preference of criminals for compact and mid-size SUVs, which are both popular and valuable in the secondhand and illicit parts markets.
Analysis:
The sharp rise in SUV thefts in São Paulo reflects a concerning trend in organized vehicle-related crime. The data indicates that criminals are not only targeting specific neighborhoods—such as Tatuapé, Vila Formosa, and Ipiranga—but also operating within defined time windows, mainly in the evening between Tuesdays and Thursdays. This pattern suggests a level of premeditation and operational structure that requires more sophisticated law enforcement strategies to combat.
A key factor driving these crimes is the demand for spare parts in the illegal market. The preference for SUVs that are five to ten years old aligns with the characteristics of vehicles that have high resale value in chop shops while lacking the latest anti-theft technologies. The Jeep Renegade’s dominance as the most stolen model highlights how criminals focus on widely available vehicles with a strong aftermarket demand.
Sources: AutoEsporte; G1; CNN.
