- Substantially higher incidences of vehicle theft in Saxony
In Saxony, around 12.4 million euros worth of damage was inflicted by car thefts last year, according to insurance statistics. The German Insurance Association (GDV) noted that 652 insured vehicles were swiped in the region in 2023, representing a substantial 24% surge from the year prior. On average, insurers shelled out over 19,000 euros per pilfered vehicle, representing a decrease of 100 euros compared to the previous year.
In Dresden, the number of thefts leaped from 74 to 138, nearly doubling. The town with the highest theft risk, recording a rate of eight incidents per 10,000 insured vehicles, was Leipzig. Meanwhile, the theft risk in the state capital was seven incidents per 10,000 vehicles. Across Saxony, the theft rate averaged four incidents per 10,000 vehicles, which was identical to the national average.
Carjackings resulting in losses totaling 310 million euros occurred nationwide last year. The damage toll equaled approximately 310 million euros. On average, insurers paid out roughly 21,400 euros per theft, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year.
The GDV stated that the highest theft risk was in Berlin. "Berlin continues to be the epicenter of car thieves, with a vehicle vanishing every two hours on average," said GDV CEO Jörg Asmussen. The likelihood of auto theft was considerably lower in southern Germany.
In Saxony's city of Dresden, the significant increase in vehicle thefts was evident, with 138 cars being stolen in 2023, a notable jump from the 74 vehicles stolen the year before.
Despite Dresden's high car theft rate, it didn't surpass Leipzig, which held the title of the town with the highest theft risk, with eight incidents per 10,000 insured vehicles.
