Maserati has built its reputation around distinctive Italian performance and luxury cars, but the brand has also attracted attention for a less desirable reason: vehicle theft.
In 2024, UK media reports based on DVLA data highlighted Maserati as the most commonly stolen sports-car brand in a comparison of high-performance marques. The figures related to a specific historical period, so they should not be treated as evidence that Maserati holds the same position today.
What the figures did highlight was that desirable, relatively rare cars can still attract significant attention from thieves. Modern vehicle theft is not simply about how many cars of a particular brand are on the road; criminals may target vehicles for their value, parts, export potential or because particular security systems can be exploited.
For Maserati owners, the more useful question therefore isn’t whether the brand currently tops a theft ranking, but why desirable cars are targeted and what owners can do to make their vehicle harder to steal.
If you’re navigating the realities of car ownership or looking to protect your vehicle, our maintenance guidance hub offers practical advice to help you stay informed.
If you’re interested in how criminals target modern vehicles, you may want to read our guide on keyless car theft and why it’s on the rise.
Maserati’s Response
Like other premium manufacturers, Maserati has continued to develop the security and connected technology fitted to its vehicles. Depending on the model and specification, modern security features can include alarm and immobilisation systems, vehicle tracking and connected services designed to help owners monitor their cars.
However, no security system can completely eliminate the risk of theft. As vehicle technology develops, theft methods also evolve, which is why additional physical security and sensible precautions can still be worthwhile even on a modern luxury car.
Theft Trends Beyond Maserati
Theft risk is not unique to Maserati. Criminals target many different types of vehicles, from premium and performance cars to everyday models that are valuable for parts or easy to sell on.
The methods used have also changed. Rather than relying solely on stealing keys, criminals may exploit keyless-entry systems, electronic vulnerabilities or other weaknesses to gain access to modern vehicles. Older methods such as breaking into a property to obtain the keys also remain a risk.
For owners, this means the badge on the bonnet is only part of the picture. Where a vehicle is kept, the security measures being used and the methods available to thieves can all influence the risk of theft.
For more insight into criminal tactics affecting UK motorists, take a look at our article on ‘crash for cash’ moped scams.
Staying Safe
Owners can reduce the risk of theft by combining the vehicle’s built-in security with additional precautions. Visible physical security can also act as another obstacle for a thief rather than relying entirely on electronic systems.
Useful precautions include keeping keys away from doors and windows, storing keyless-entry fobs in a signal-blocking pouch where appropriate, using a steering-wheel lock and parking in a secure or well-lit location whenever possible. Owners can also check whether their vehicle has tracking or connected security features and make sure they are correctly activated.
For higher-value vehicles, owners may also want to consider professionally installed tracking or additional immobilisation systems. Whatever vehicle you drive, using several layers of security can make it more difficult to steal than relying on one measure alone.
Thinking of Seeing How Much Your Car Is Worth?
Whether you drive a Maserati or another vehicle, understanding its current market value can be useful when deciding whether to keep, sell or replace it. Factors such as age, mileage, condition, specification and service history can all influence what a car may be worth.
Get an instant, no‑pressure valuation here with our free online car valuation tool.