The Toyota RAV4 has been identified as the most stolen car in the Netherlands for the third year running. In 2024 alone, 377 RAV4s were reported stolen.

Toyota suggests that high demand for the vehicle contributes to the increased theft rates. However, alternative theories within the automotive community point to the RAV4’s potential vulnerability to theft.

Methods employed by thieves allegedly include creating fake keys and intercepting signals from the car’s keyless entry system. This allows them to start the engine, as the car mistakenly identifies the key as being nearby.

Due to the high theft rate, ANWB insurance requires the installation of a tracking system to insure a Toyota RAV4 against theft. According to a spokesperson, the RAV4 is a notable exception, with this requirement typically reserved for models like Teslas or other high-value vehicles.

The Facebook page Boevenspotter (Crook Spotter), with 170,000 members, frequently features posts about stolen Toyotas. Jaime van Gastel, the page’s founder, notes the increasing use of social media in solving cases faster than traditional police methods.

Van Gastel emphasizes the importance of swift action following a car theft. Thieves often park stolen vehicles temporarily to check for trackers before attempting to transport them abroad for sale.

According to Van Gastel, many stolen cars are shipped to Africa in containers for resale. The Boevenspotter Facebook page assists in identifying these vehicles while they are still within the Netherlands, enabling police intervention.

While Van Gastel could dedicate the Boevenspotter page entirely to car theft, he prefers to maintain a diverse focus, including other criminal activities like distraction burglaries and burglaries.