Vehicle theft across the United Kingdom remains at historically elevated levels.

New figures show that tens of thousands of cars are stolen each year.

A handful of familiar models continue to top the list of the thieves’ favourites.

On the menu

In the UK, 150 cars are stolen every day, on average, the equivalent of six cars every hour or one stolen every 10 minutes.

Some 54,830 vehicles were reported stolen in 2025.

While it represents an 11% reduction on the previous year’s figures, it was still more than twice the number stolen a decade ago in 2015.  

The figures come from data compiled from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and insurance industry analysts.

While totals fluctuate annually, theft levels remain significantly higher than they were in the mid-2010s, when vehicle crime had fallen to record lows.

Popular steal

The Ford Fiesta remains Britain’s most stolen car model.

Despite being discontinued in 2023, the popular hatchback remains one of the most common vehicles on UK roads, making it a prime target for criminals seeking parts or vehicles to resell quickly.

Close behind is the Volkswagen Golf, another long-time favourite among UK drivers and thieves alike.

The Ford Focus also consistently ranks near the top of theft tables.

In recent years, SUVs have increasingly appeared among the most stolen models.

The Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Juke are frequently targeted, reflecting growing demand for crossovers both domestically and overseas.

Experts say popularity is often the biggest risk factor.

“If a car is common, its parts are in high demand,” said one insurance analyst. “Thieves know they can dismantle and sell components quickly, or move the vehicle abroad.”

Number game

Although the latest annual total shows a slight stabilisation compared with the previous year, the broader picture reveals a sharp rise compared with a decade ago.

Vehicle theft fell dramatically between 2005 and 2015 thanks to improved immobilisers and security systems.

However, since around 2018, reported thefts have climbed again.

One key driver of the increase has been so-called keyless entry relay attacks.

Criminals use signal-boosting devices to capture and amplify the signal from a car key inside a home, tricking the vehicle into unlocking and starting.

Police forces across England and Wales have repeatedly warned that organised crime groups are behind a large proportion of thefts, often targeting specific makes and models to order.

Regional hotspots

Geography plays a significant role in theft risk.

In absolute numbers, Greater London records the highest volume of stolen vehicles each year, reflecting the capital’s dense population, high vehicle ownership and reliance on on-street parking.

However, when theft is measured per capita, the West Midlands frequently emerges as one of the highest-risk regions.

Urban areas, including Birmingham and Coventry, have consistently high incident rates, perhaps because it used to be the motor manufacturing region in Britain, with cars remaining a popular pastime and hobby, as well as an essential means of transport

Other major metropolitan areas, including Greater Manchester and parts of West Yorkshire, also feature prominently in police statistics.

By contrast, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland typically report lower theft rates per capita, particularly in rural communities where vehicles are often parked off-street.

Modern insecurities

While modern vehicles are equipped with advanced technology, that same sophistication can create vulnerabilities.

Keyless systems, digital dashboards and remote locking features provide convenience but also open new avenues for tech-savvy exploitation.

Once in, criminals are also increasingly using electronic devices to override onboard diagnostics ports, allowing them to reprogram keys in minutes.

Older vehicles, meanwhile, are often targeted simply because they lack modern security features, such as alarms and immobilisers.

Better protection

Police and insurers advise motorists to take layered security precautions:

  • Use a steering wheel lock — visible deterrents remain highly effective.

  • Store keys in a Faraday pouch to block signal relay attacks.

  • Install a tracking device, particularly for high-value vehicles.

  • Park in well-lit or secure areas, ideally off-street or in garages.

  • Enable built-in security features such as PIN-to-drive systems where available.

Motorists are also urged to keep software updated and to check whether manufacturers offer security patches or recalls that address theft vulnerabilities.

While car theft is not at the peak levels seen in the early 1990s, today’s figures remain significantly higher than a decade ago.

As criminals adopt increasingly sophisticated techniques, experts warn that drivers must adapt too.

For owners of the UK’s most popular models, particularly older hatchbacks and in-demand SUVs, vigilance and additional security measures may be the difference between keeping a car and becoming part of the growing theft statistics.