Ford’s Fiesta was the most stolen car in 2022, according to research by comparison site LeaseLoco.

Meanwhile, the Lexus RX was the most stolen plug-in EV according to the DVLA data.

Thieving carnival

Almost 6,000 Fiestas (5,979) were stolen last year, an increase of 53% compared to 2021. That’s a Fiesta stolen every 87 minutes somewhere in the UK.

Ford recently confirmed that the ever popular training and new driver model, the Fiesta, will be discontinued in June this year. The decision comes after more than 22 million units have been sold.

Here today

In total, 61,106 stolen cars (all makes/models) were reported by the police to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) in 2022, compared to 48,493 in 2021 – an increase of 26%.

That equates to a car stolen from its owner every eight-and-a-half minutes somewhere in the UK in 2022.

There were 12,613 more cars stolen last year than during 2021 (48,493), and 2,464 more than the 58,642 pinched during 2019, pre-pandemic.

Rough days

The Range Rover and Land Rover Discovery both saw thefts rise significantly in 2022, with the Discovery in particular moving up two spots in the Top 10 table of most stolen cars.

DVLA data also revealed that the Lexus RX 450H F Sport CVT was the most stolen plug-in last year, with 160 recorded thefts in 2022, compared to 70 in 2021 – an increase of 129%.

The second and third most stolen plug-ins were both Hyundai Ioniqs.

 

Top 10 most stolen cars in 2022.

 

Make, Model

Number of cars stolen in 2021

Number of cars stolen in 2022

Increase 2022 vs 2021

Ford Fiesta

3,909

5,979

53.0%

Land Rover Range Rover

3,754

5,533

47.4%

Ford Focus

1,912

2,186

14.3%

VW Golf

1,755

2,036

16.0%

Land Rover Discovery

1,260

1,920

52.4%

BMW 3 Series

1,464

1,454

-0.7%

Mercedes C Class

1,474

1,378

-6.5%

Vauxhall Corsa

1,218

1,280

5.1%

Vauxhall Astra

1,096

1,240

13.1%

Mercedes E Class

818

866

5.9%

 

Top 5 most stolen plug-in cars in 2022.

 

Make, Model

Number of cars stolen in 2022

Lexus RX 450H F Sport CVT

160

Hyundai Ioniq Premium HEV S-A

116

Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE HEV

115

Toyota RAV4 Excel HEV 4X2 CVT

103

Toyota RAV4 Design HEV 4X2 CVT

86

 

Going out with a party

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco says:

“The Ford Fiesta has retained its unenviable title as the most stolen car in Britain, with our research revealing that a Fiesta was stolen every 87 minutes somewhere in the UK last year.

“However, it is likely to be the last year it tops the table, as Ford recently announced that it will be discontinuing the Fiesta in June, 47 years after the first model rolled off the production line.

“Based on the latest figures, the Range Rover could well head the table next year, with more than 5,500 stolen in 2022, up 47% versus 2021.

“The luxury SUV continues to be a popular target for sophisticated criminal gangs who have the knowledge and keyless tech to quickly gain entry.

“But our figures show that it isn’t just Range Rover thefts that are on the rise. There was an overall  26% increase in car thefts last year.

“Car owners need to be aware that thefts are on the rise and to take the appropriate precautions to avoid becoming a victim.”