Most Stolen Cars In The UK 2025 And Ways To Prevent Your Vehicle Being Stolen

Posted on by Sarath
miniature cars parked in the parking lot
17
Jun

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Being the victim of a vehicle theft is many people’s worst nightmare. Having your car stolen is more than just a material loss. When thieves take your vehicle you’re left with the inconvenience of being without your own transport and the upset of having personal items in the vehicle taken along with it. Unfortunately, car theft is common in the UK. In 2024, over 61,000 cars were stolen, which equates to seven vehicle thefts every hour.

Car thefts may be a common occurrence, but there are some makes and models that are targeted far more frequently than the rest. In this blog post, we’ll run through the models of car that were most stolen in the UK during 2024, and will provide tips to help you prevent your vehicle from falling victim to car thieves.

10 Most Stolen Cars in the UK

Ford Fiesta

Topping the list of the most stolen cars in the UK is the Ford Fiesta. This small car has been one of the UK’s bestsellers for decades, so spare parts are in demand. Unfortunately, thieves often target Ford Fiestas to meet this demand for parts.

Volkswagen Golf

The next most stolen car on the list is another small car that has enjoyed an enduring popularity over the decades. Like the Fiesta, the Volkswagen Golf is also one of the UK bestselling vehicles, unfortunately, this makes it just as attractive to thieves as car buyers. 

Ford Focus

As with its smaller counterpart, the Ford Fiesta, the Ford Focus is also one of the UK’s most popular cars, making it a target for thieves. 

Toyota Rav4

Hybrid models of the Toyota RAV4 seem to be especially popular with car thieves, with many stolen RAV4s stolen and exported abroad.

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 series is a luxury car that thieves seem to love, with more 3 series models stolen than any of the manufacturers other vehicles.

Range Rover Evoque

As a prestige vehicle, the Range Rover Evoque is often stolen to order.

Nissan Juke

This year, the Nissan Juke makes its unfortunate debut on this list, with thefts of the SUV rising sharply.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a prestige vehicle that appeals as much to genuine car buyers as it does to thieves. The high re-sale value that the C-Class commands makes it especially attractive to car thieves.

Range Rover Sport

Thefts of the Range Rover Sport may have dropped compared with previous years, but they still remain a popular target for organised crime gangs.

Vauxhall Corsa

This small car may not have the same level of prestige as others on the list, but it’s easier to break into, which makes it an appealing choice for thieves.

Top 10 Car Theft Hotspots

Rates of car theft vary widely in the UK, so the chances of your vehicle being stolen are far higher in some cities than others. Here are the top ten cities for car theft in the UK:

  1. London
  2. Birmingham
  3. Manchester
  4. Leeds
  5. Sheffield
  6. Coventry
  7. Wolverhampton
  8. Leicester
  9. Walsall
  10. Bristol

Most Effective Ways to Prevent Your Car Being Stolen

Taking steps to prevent your vehicle being stolen is essential to avoid the upset and inconvenience caused by car theft. Here are the most effective ways to protect your vehicle:

Use a GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker is the most effective way to know your vehicle’s whereabouts at all times. Our GPS trackers work independently and immediately alert you based on the vehicle location. PAJ trackers also issue an alert message as soon as the ignition is activated , so you’ll know immediately if someone tries to start your car. With real time location tracking and security alarms, GPS Trackers build a first line of strong defence against car theft.

Add a Steering Wheel Lock

Steering wheel locks provide an obvious visual deterrent to would-be car thieves. Spotting a steering wheel lock on a vehicle means car thieves will be less inclined to attempt to steal it.

Have a Ghost Immobiliser Installed

A ghost immobiliser is a relatively new way to secure vehicles. With a ghost immobiliser fitted in your car, the engine cannot be started until a unique PIN sequence has been entered.

Taking action to prevent the theft of your vehicle is a must, and implementing a range of security measures is the best way to prevent it from being targeted by thieves.