The most stolen cars in the UK
A car is stolen in the UK every eight minutes, according to the DVLA, equating to 176 cars stolen every day, with a total of 64,087 vehicles reported stolen in 2023 - an increase of 5% on the previous year. Here, we take a look at 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 comprises a mix of prestige models and best sellers, with the Ford Fiesta the most stolen car. Although production of the Ford Fiesta discontinued in summer 2023, it has been the UK’s best-selling car for over a decade, with around 1.5 million on the road, so it’s no surprise it tops the list.
Land Rover has performed best at stemming the flow of stolen vehicles, with the number of Range Rover Sport models stolen last year down 29% on the previous year. Mercedes fare less well, with DVLA data revealing 30% more Mercedes C-Class vehicles were stolen in 2023 compared to the previous year. Electric vehicles have also been targeted, with the Kia Niro the most stolen EV, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq.
High-performance vehicles are now less popular with thieves – in 2023, only 43 Ferraris, 51 Porsche 911s, 14 Lamborghinis and 29 Teslas were stolen.
Top ten most stolen cars
Several factors contribute to the high theft levels of these models, including popularity, resale value, parts demand 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 carrying out car theft include stealing your car keys from inside your home, stealing a car that you’re selling by taking it on a test drive or cloning the keys to steal it later on, and even using illegal tow trucks or bumping your vehicle from behind and hijacking your car when you pull over.
How to safeguard your vehicle
Considering the DVLA’s figures, car owners are advised to take measures to safeguard their vehicles. Security measures include emptying the car of valuables and using visible devices such as steering locks, brake locks, car alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices - a GPS vehicle tracking system will allow the police to pinpoint your car’s location if your preventative measures fail. It’s also advisable to park in secure, well-lit areas, or in a garage overnight, and always use a steering lock if parking on the street. In addition, always check your car is locked, keep keys hidden away at a safe distance from the car and your front door at night, and consider installing security lighting and CCTV at your home.
Keyless entry systems are standard in many new cars but have vulnerabilities that thieves can exploit. New technologies such as advanced driver-recognition systems use biometric authentication to prevent keyless cars from starting without an authorised driver present. Also, Faraday shield bags block remote signals to deter thieves with signal amplifiers, and ECUTM control units provide added electronic immobilisation when the ignition is off.
Talk to TMD
It’s important to make sure you have the correct level of 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 any aspect of 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 703 000 or email us at insurance@mcdonaghs.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