Party time for car thieves
Ford Fiesta the most commonly stolen car in the UK in 2024
The Ford Fiesta retained its unwanted title as the most stolen car in the UK last year, with a staggering 4,446 thefts reported in 2024.
According to data obtained from the DVLA through a Freedom of Information request, this equates to an average of 12 Fiestas stolen per day.
It comes even though the Fiesta was discontinued by Ford in July 2023.
Top of the pops
The ever-popular hatchback remained the top target for car thieves, with thefts more than double those of the Volkswagen Golf, which ranked second with 1,727 thefts.
The Ford Focus followed closely in third place, with 1,700 stolen over the year.
But while the Fiesta remained the most frequently stolen model, the overall number of vehicle thefts fell by nearly 16% in 2024.
A total of 53,955 vehicles were stolen across the UK, compared to 64,087 in 2023.
Despite this decline, certain models saw a surge in thefts.
The Nissan Juke, for example, experienced a 61.5% increase, rising from 636 thefts in 2023 to 1,027 in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 also saw a jump, with 1,260 thefts recorded—an increase of 7.8% from the previous year, making it the most stolen hybrid/electric car in the UK.
While luxury cars are still a lucrative steal, thefts dropped significantly compared to 2023. In 2024, thieves stole:
- 3 Ferraris (down from 43 in 2023)
- 7 Lamborghinis (down from 14)
- 64 Bentleys (down from 126)
The 10 most stolen cars in the UK (2024 vs. 2023)
Rank | Make | Model | Thefts in 2023 | Thefts in 2024 | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ford | Fiesta | 5,976 | 4,446 | -25.6% |
2 | Volkswagen | Golf | 2,038 | 1,727 | -15.3% |
3 | Ford | Focus | 2,120 | 1,700 | -19.8% |
4 | Toyota | RAV4 | 1,169 | 1,260 | +7.8% |
5 | BMW | 3 Series | 1,466 | 1,207 | -17.7% |
6 | Range Rover | Evoque | 1,489 | 1,079 | -27.5% |
7 | Nissan | Juke | 636 | 1,027 | +61.5% |
8 | Mercedes-Benz | C Class | 1,786 | 1,024 | -42.7% |
9 | Range Rover | Sport | 954 | 950 | -0.4% |
10 | Vauxhall | Corsa | 1,110 | 870 | -21.6% |
Modern moves
The shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) has not gone unnoticed by criminals.
Topping the list of stolen hybrid/electric cars comes the Toyota RAV4, with 1,260 thefts in 2024.
Meanwhile, 21 Tesla models were also reported stolen, highlighting that even high-tech vehicles remain at risk.
Gaining protection
As vehicle thefts remain a serious issue, Tempcover are advising motorists to stay informed on best practices to deter thieves.
Claire Wills-McKissick from Tempcover explains:
“We recognise how devastating it can be if your car is stolen. Beyond the physical loss, the life disruption and added stress can also linger. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about ways to protect your vehicle.”
She recommends several key precautions to reduce the risk of theft:
- Use a steering wheel lock – A highly visible deterrent that makes theft more difficult
- Install an immobiliser – Prevents the car from being started without the correct key or fob
- Park in well-lit or secure areas – Motion-sensor lights can deter thieves at night
- Consider a tracking device – Helps locate and recover stolen vehicles faster
“A car is often more than just a means of transport—it’s an integral part of life. Taking proactive steps to protect your vehicle can help provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of theft,” Wills-McKissick adds.
With car crime still a major concern across the UK, staying alert and adopting additional security measures could make all the difference in keeping your vehicle safe.
Extra precautions
Some 61,343 cars were reported as stolen last year, which equates to one pinched every eight-and-a-half minutes, official figures have confirmed.
These DVLA statistics show that Britain’s motor theft epidemic remains rife despite a year-on-year decline in stolen vehicles.
On average, 168 cars were pilfered per day by criminals – that’s seven every hour.
Other recommendations to reduce the risk of theft include;