Battery thefts explode on hybrid cars
In France, thieves are increasingly targeting non-rechargeable hybrid vehicles to steal the batteries, which are particularly accessible.
Ten days ago, Laetitia Marlin had a very unpleasant surprise as she started her day. "At 9 o'clock, we arrived, and the car was no longer there, it was a complete emptiness," she said on Friday, June 6. Her vehicle was finally found abandoned in a wood, not far from her home. The car windows were broken and the back seats completely removed. The thieves made off with the battery of her hybrid car . After taking care of her insurance, she still had 600 euros to pay out of her own pocket.
Battery thefts are on the rise in France. In 2024, for example, criminals didn't hesitate to cut through the fence of a car dealership and vandalize eight vehicles to steal the batteries. These 30- to 40-kilogram pieces are highly sought-after. The target model is non-rechargeable hybrid cars because the battery is particularly accessible. Numerous videos online demonstrate how to dismantle the battery. Traffickers have no trouble selling their loot on the black market.
Watch the full report in the video above
Flight and Post-Flight Recovery Observatory 2025
Non-exhaustive list
Activate franceinfo notifications and don't miss any news
You can change your mind at any time in your browser settings.
Francetvinfo
%3Aquality(70)%3Afocal(1785x1360%3A1795x1370)%2Fcloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com%2Fliberation%2FK4ALMSOHERCP3JS2ODRH7DDEK4.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
%3Aquality(70)%2Fcloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com%2Fliberation%2FN5XDND3JDVGW3NQ4JADAA3MSLM.jpg&w=3840&q=100)