The most stolen cars in the UK
According to the DVLA, a car is stolen in the UK every eight minutes, equating to 176 cars stolen every day. A total of 64,087 vehicles were reported stolen in 2023—an increase of 5% on the previous year. Here, we examine the DVLA’s data, which reveals not only the most stolen car models of 2023 but also the evolving methods used by car thieves.
Overview
The list includes a combination of high-end models and top-selling cars, with the Ford Fiesta being the most frequently stolen car. Despite the fact that production of the Ford Fiesta was halted in the summer of 2023, it had been the best-selling car in the UK for over a decade, with approximately 1.5 million of them on the road. Therefore, it's not surprising that it tops the list.
Land Rover had the best record in preventing vehicle theft, with the number of stolen Range Rover Sport models decreasing by 29% last year compared to the previous year. However, Mercedes did not perform as well, as DVLA data revealed a 30% increase in stolen Mercedes C-Class vehicles in 2023 compared to the previous year. Electric vehicles have also been targeted, with the Kia Niro being the most stolen EV, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq.
Furthermore, high-performance vehicles have become less popular targets for thieves. In 2023, only 43 Ferraris, 51 Porsche 911s, 14 Lamborghinis, and 29 Teslas were reported as stolen.
What are the Top Ten most stolen cars
Several factors contribute to the high levels of theft for these models, including their popularity, resale value, demand for parts, and security vulnerabilities.
1. Ford Fiesta: now it’s discontinued, there will be more demand for spares, so it could retain its title as top of the list. (5979 stolen)
2. Ford Focus: one of the best family cars to drive with more than a million examples on the road, making it popular with thieves. (2120 stolen)
3. Volkswagen Golf: a top-seller for eight generations, it’s highly desirable, with large numbers on the road, making it a popular choice with thieves. (2038 stolen)
4. Mercedes C-Class: higher up the list compared to the year before, and higher up the list than its main rival, the BMW 3 Series. (1786 stolen)
5. Range Rover Sport: numbers stolen down 29% on the previous year, when it was second on the list, due to an upgrade in security of second hand models, protecting against keyless entry theft. (1631 stolen)
6. Range Rover Evoque: not as popular with thieves as the Range Rover Sport, but still targeted, prompting Range Rover to retrofit upgraded security features to second hand models. (1489 s stolen)
7. BMW Series 3: a prestige model with fun handling, efficient engines and a smart interior, making it popular with thieves. (1466 stolen)
8. Vauxhall Corsa: third best-selling car in 2023 and has been around since 1993, making it a common sight on UK roads and a target for thieves. (1110 stolen)
9. Vauxhall Astra: has spent a decade among the UK’s best sellers, with many on the roads, making it popular with car thieves. (1086 stolen)
10. Land Rover Discovery Sport: Land Rover’s security fixes haven’t filtered down to older Discovery Sport models and still a sumptuously appointed car, making it a popular target, with thefts up 15% on 2022. (954 stolen)
The top five most recovered vehicles:
1. Range Rover Sport
2. Lexus RX450h
3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Range Rover Vogue
4. BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Evoque
5. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Range Rover Autobiography
Tricks that thieves use to steal cars
Keyless car theft continues to grow, with thieves using a device that tricks your keyless entry car into thinking the key fob is close by so the car unlocks and they can start the ignition. They only need to be within a few metres of your key fob to pick up the signal and relay it to the car, so even if it’s inside your home, they can still steal the car.
Less sophisticated ways of committing car theft include stealing your car keys from inside your home, taking a car that you’re selling on a test drive or cloning the keys to steal it later, and even using illegal tow trucks, bumping your vehicle from behind, and hijacking your car when you pull over.
How to safeguard your vehicle
In light of the DVLA’s figures, it's important for car owners to take steps to protect their vehicles. Security measures include removing valuables from the car and using visible deterrents like steering locks, brake locks, car alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices. A GPS vehicle tracking system can help the police locate your car if all other measures fail. It's also recommended to park in secure, well-lit areas or in a garage overnight. When parking on the street, always use a steering lock. Additionally, always ensure your car is locked, keep keys away from the car and your front door at night, and consider installing security lighting and CCTV at your home.
Keyless entry systems are now standard in many new cars, but they have vulnerabilities that thieves can exploit. To address this issue, new technologies, such as advanced driver-recognition systems use biometric authentication to prevent keyless cars from starting unless an authorised driver is present. Additionally, Faraday shield bags can block remote signals to deter thieves who use signal amplifiers, and ECUTM control units provide added electronic immobilisation when the ignition is off.
Talk to NLIG
It’s important to make sure you have insurance in place, so your car is covered in the event it is stolen. Utilising certain security measures may also assist in lowering your premium and we are happy to advise on this. To discuss your car insurance, whether checking your existing cover, advising us of changes such as a new address, renewing or arranging a new policy, please get in touch.
Our business is your protection, so please call TMD on 01992 703 300 or email us at insurance@nlig.co.uk
Sources
whatcar.com: The most stolen cars in the UK
safeandsoundmobile.co.uk: The most stolen cars in the UK a 2023 overview
moneysupermarket.com: Most stolen and recovered cars in the UK
warrantyfirst.co.uk: The Top Stolen Cars in the UK and How to Safeguard Your Ride
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk: DVLA: FOI and EIR disclosure log, January 2024