Mazda Demio was the most stolen model of car in Gisborne in 2025.
Gisborne owners of Mazda Demios might want to take extra care with security as the car has topped the list of most stolen cars in the area in 2025, according to AMI Insurance.
The list revealed on Tuesday also details the most stolen car in New Zealand is the Toyota Aqua. In Gisborne, this was the sixth most stolen car.
The most frequently stolen vehicles in Gisborne:
For the country as a whole, AMI executive general manager claims Steph Ferris said claims had been relatively lower over the past few years, following a peak in 2023.
“Lower crime rates, improved security systems in newer vehicles and New Zealanders adopting security practices – including being more mindful about where they park – likely play a part in this,” she said.
She noted in the AMI press release “that there are a number of anti-theft measures to consider like car alarm systems, immobilisers, fuel cut-out switches, steering wheel locks, handbrake locks, as well as parking behind a locked gate if a garage isn’t available”.
“Around 64% of stolen vehicles are recovered, and 40% of these are repairable, with the remainder typically written off and auctioned for parts.”
The Aqua, meanwhile, was the most stolen car for the fourth consecutive year in New Zealand, according to AMI.
It received more than 9000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims in 2025.
AMI said its data was “sourced from the largest general insurance dataset in the country; IAG’s private and commercial motor claims and policy data from the 2025 calendar year”.
The lengthy claims list spans more than 760 different makes and models, with the Aqua making up 8% of all stolen vehicle claims, followed by the Toyota Corolla (7%) and the Nissan Tiida (6%).
“Further, the data also showed Toyota Aquas were disproportionately targeted, with a theft rate nearly four times that of the country’s most insured vehicle – the Toyota Corolla. For every 1000 insured Toyota Aquas, 54 had a theft claim, compared with 15 per 1000 Toyota Corollas,” AMI said.
Older cars were also targeted more often.
“AMI is also seeing a clear trend when it comes to vehicle age and theft risk, with nearly nine in 10 stolen vehicles being older than 10 years. Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise.”
AMI top 10 stolen cars in New Zealand list:
(Cars are ranked from highest frequency of theft to lowest. Symbols indicate rank movement compared to 2024.)
AMI’s top tips for vehicle security