Some 61,343 automobiles have been reported as stolen final yr, which equates to 1 pinched each eight-and-a-half minutes, official figures have confirmed – and we are able to let you know if yours is among the many fashions most at menace.
Driver and Automobile Licensing Company (DVLA) statistics launched following Freedom of Data requests have proven that Britain’s motor-theft epidemic stays rife regardless of a year-on-year decline in stolen automobiles.
On common, 168 automobiles have been pilfered per day by criminals – that is seven each hour.
Whereas 2024’s vehicle-theft numbers are down 6 per cent on the 64,087 recorded over the yr earlier, it is nonetheless the third-highest annual theft determine seen within the final decade – and greater than double the amount in 2015 – as criminals use quite a lot of superior ways to infiltrate fashionable automobiles.
Unsurprisingly, the Ford Fiesta – Britain’s most-owned motor – is the one which’s mostly stolen, with nearly 4,500 examples taken from rightful keepers final yr.
DVLA information supplied on request to What Automotive? and insurer Tempcover – and shared completely with That is Cash – lists the 20 fashions focused by thieves within the highest volumes all through 2024. We depend them down on this article.
Granular evaluation of the stats exposes which generations are most in danger so you possibly can see in case your automotive is among the most weak.
The figures additionally reveal what number of automobiles from every of the best-selling manufacturers have been unlawfully taken by criminals final yr.
THE 20 MOST STOLEN CARS OF 2024
1. Ford Fiesta – 4,446 stolen
Most focused era: Mk6 bought between 2008-2017
Ford’s Fiesta – Britain’s commonest automotive – is once more essentially the most stolen. In 2024, some 4,446 have been pinched, which is 26 per cent fewer than the yr earlier. Homeowners of the Mk6 model pictured (bought between 2008 and 2017) should be significantly conscious of the menace they’re beneath
Given there’s extra Fiestas on UK roads than every other mannequin – believed to be round 1.5 million examples at the moment – there may be little shock to see it as soon as once more prime the stolen automobiles charts with 4,446 homeowners telling the DVLA theirs had gone lacking final yr.
Nonetheless, placing the theft numbers into perspective, the amount of Ford superminis pinched is round two and a half instances that of the second most-stolen mannequin.
That mentioned, Fiesta thefts are down 1 / 4 (26 per cent) year-on-year, falling from 5,976 in 2023.
Specialists had beforehand informed That is Cash that the Fiesta might change into an rising goal for prison rings after Ford ceased manufacturing in summer season 2023 triggering demand for spare elements from present fashions on the highway.
In keeping with What Automotive?’s evaluation, the vast majority of stolen Fiestas are the Mk6 era – produced between 2008 and 2017 – which accounted for 89 per cent of Fiesta all thefts final yr.
2. Volkswagen Golf – 1,731 stolen
Most focused era: Mk7 bought between 2013-2019
The VW Golf has moved as much as second within the UK automotive theft rankings regardless of a 15 per cent decline in reported stolen. A complete of 1,731 have been taken from their homeowners final yr – and it’s the Mk7 variant (pictured) that is getting pinched most
Just like the Fiesta, the Golf is an evergreen mannequin that dominates our avenue. With that in thoughts, 1,731 being reported stolen to the authorities isn’t surprising.
Nonetheless, theft volumes are down 15 per cent on 2023, the DVLA’s data present. Regardless of this, the Golf moved up one place within the rankings to second general on the motor theft league desk.
Probably the most focused VW Golf was the seventh-generation instance bought between 2013 and 2019, accounting for 53 per cent of all Golfs taken in 2024.
3. Ford Focus – 1,700 stolen
Most focused era: Mk3 bought between 2011-2018
The Ford Focus has dropped one place within the order of most stolen automobiles from 2023 to 2024, with 1,700 taken final yr (down 20 per cent). The third-generation Focus (2011-2018) pictured is the model stolen in biggest volumes, DVLA information exhibits
The Ford Focus dropped beneath the Golf within the charts of most stolen automobiles as a fifth fewer homeowners reported their automobiles lacking in comparison with 2023.
A complete of 1,700 have been taken from their rightful keepers, which is 420 lower than the yr earlier.
With Ford set to kill off the Focus later this yr so it may well make approach for a brand new electrical substitute, just like the Fiesta it might additionally change into more and more focused to be damaged down for in-demand spare elements.
The third era, 2011 to 2018, automotive is the one which’s taken most, representing 57 per cent of all Focus thefts over the earlier 12 months.
4. BMW 3 Collection – 1,371 stolen
Most focused era: Mk6 bought between 2013-2018
On the subject of pinching BMW 3 Collection automobiles, thieves will not be as choosy as they’re with different fashions. There is a comparatively equal unfold of thefts throughout three generations accounting to the 1,243 taken in 2024, although it’s the 2013-2018 mannequin (pictured) taken most
Having been on sale because the seventies and a mannequin that is been extremely in style within the UK for many years, it isn’t all that alarming to see the BMW 3 Collection so excessive on this listing.
The 1,371 stolen in 2024 contains the standard saloon but additionally coupe, convertible, ‘Touring’ property and sporty M3 variants. It is sufficient to leap three locations within the order from the yr earlier, regardless of 7 per cent fewer reported lacking to the DVLA.
Thieves seem much less choosy about which era they wish to steal. The previous-gen (bought from 2013 to 2018) is taken in greatest numbers (516) representing 41 per cent of all 3 Collection thefts, although the sooner mannequin from 2006 to 2012 (29 per cent) and the present model (22 per cent) are additionally focused usually.
5. Toyota RAV4 – 1,260 stolen
Most focused era: Mk5 bought between 2019-present
The Toyota RAV4 was Britain’s fourth most stolen automotive in 2024 with 1,260 pinched. Greater than 9 in ten RAV4s taken final yr have been the present era automotive (pictured) bought from 2019 onwards
Capturing up the charts into fourth in 2024 automotive theft listing is the Toyota RAV4. Just like the beforehand talked about motors, it has been round for many years, first launching in 1994. Meaning there are lots within the UK to be sought out by criminals.
Nonetheless, not like the fashions above, it’s the newest model that appears to be the one organised gangs are going after.
Extremely, 1,168 of the 1,260 whole RAV4s nicked final yr – accounting for 93 per cent – have been the present era, which has been on sale since 2019.
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 1,123 stolen
Most focused era: Mk4 bought between 2015-2020
The Mercedes-Class was once more excessive on the purchasing listing of criminals pinching motors, with 1,123 stolen final yr. That is 37 per cent fewer than in 2023, DVLA data recommend. The previous-gen automotive (pictured) is the one focused most
As with the BMW 3 Collection, the 1,123 stolen Mercedes C-Class covers all physique sorts, together with saloons, cabriolets, coupes, estates and sizzling AMG variants, which considerably inflates the overall quantity.
That mentioned, thefts of C-Class fashions in Britain are down by greater than a 3rd (37 per cent) year-on-year when evaluating to the DVLA’s figures for final yr and 2023.
It is the previous-generation Merc that gangs are actually wanting – these bought from 2015 to 2020 – account for greater than three in 5 taken.
7. Vary Rover Evoque – 1,087 stolen
Most focused era: Mk1 bought between 2011-2019
JLR’s large £16million funding to forestall thefts of its fascinating luxurious SUVs seems to be working. The Vary Rover Evoque was the producer’s most pinched mannequin, and it is older variations courting again to 2011 (pictured) – and lots of subsequently not eligible for a free safety replace – that have been taken in highest volumes final yr
Land Rover fashions have been the apple of organised prison gangs’ eyes lately.
Big demand for the posh SUVs in abroad markets together with seemingly penetrable safety methods utilizing new hi-tech ways had seen some Vary Rovers change into uninsurable in Britain on account of rising thefts.
To deal with the difficulty, the British model – now owned by Indian big Tata – has invested an unprecedented £16million within the final 12 months or so to replace the software program in its newest automobiles in addition to present fashions courting again to 2018. It has even spent over £1million funding police stings at ports the place many pinched motors are destined to be loaded into containers and shipped to different nations.
And it seems its efforts are being rewarded, with Evoque thefts down 27 per cent year-on-year, dropping to 1,087 reported circumstances in 2024.
It’s the first-generation Evoques (bought from 2011 to 2019) that account for many thefts – 80 per cent) – so lots of them not qualifying for the free safety improve provided on fashions as much as seven years outdated.
8. Nissan Juke – 1,027 stolen
Most focused era: Mk1 bought between 2010-2019
Nissan’s Juke, which is in-built Sunderland, is the nation’s eighth-most pinched automotive, in line with 2024 information. And its older fashions which are most weak, with DVLA data displaying 92 per cent stolen are the first-generation automobiles bought from 2010 to 2019 (pictured)
Nissan’s Juke makes the listing of prime 10 most stolen automobiles in a yr for the primary time on file. Given the small crossover has accounted for 3 in ten Nissan gross sales over the past decade, it’s a mannequin that is not tough for criminals to focus on if they need one.
And it is the first-generation Juke – bought between 2010 and 2019 – that’s proving extraordinarily in style with thieves.
Of the 1,027 examples of the Nissan reported stolen by homeowners final yr, 949 (92 per cent) have been the older variant.
9. Vauxhall Corsa – 870 stolen
Most focused era: Mk2 (Corsa D) bought between 2007-2014
Regardless of being one of the vital frequent automobiles on our roads – solely Ford’s Fiesta and Focus are registered within the UK in bigger volumes – the Corsa is not as in style amongst thieves. Reported circumstances of pinched Vauxhall superminis have been down 22 per cent year-on-year and it is the 2007-2014 era that is most-commonly taken
It seems Vauxhall’s volume-selling small automotive just isn’t as fascinating to thieves because the Corsa’s greatest rival, the Fiesta.
Regardless of occurring sale within the early nineties and there being over one million of them on our streets right this moment, the 870 reported stolen is a mere fraction of the automobiles out there to petty criminals and organised gangs. Thefts in 2024 have been down 22 per cent on the yr earlier, too.
It is older, third-generation, examples which are nicked mostly. Some 475 of the thefts have been of 2007 to 2014 automobiles, which accounts for 55 per cent in whole. Two fifths of stolen Corsas are throughout the 2 generations since.
10. Vary Rover Sport – 867 stolen
Most focused era: Mk2 bought between 2014-2022
But extra proof that JLR’s safety efforts are working is the 47 per cent decline in thefts of Vary Rover Sports activities in 2024 in comparison with 2023. Simply 5 per cent of the 879 nicked final yr have been the most recent era
Of the 867 Vary Rover Sports activities pinched within the earlier 12 months, simply 45 (5 per cent) have been present examples on sale since 2023 with the most recent theft prevention software program.
Round 78 per cent of RR Sports activities taken from their homeowners final yr have been the era earlier (bought from 2014 to 2022) of which – like older Vary Rover Evoques – many will not have been eligible for JLR’s free theft-blocking upgrades made out there by the British automotive agency.
Whereas the Sport is tenth general within the stolen mannequin standings, half of the numbers taken the yr earlier than have been pinched in 2024, with thefts declining a staggering 47 per cent.
BRANDS MOST COMMONLY TARGETED BY THIEVES
The newly revealed information offers welcome information for one specific producer: Jaguar Land Rover.
The luxurious British automotive maker seems to have stemmed the flood of its automobiles being stolen by organised gangs after investing tens of millions into upgrading each its new and used fashions with the most recent safety expertise to dam fashionable theft ways.
JLR informed us a complete £15million funding has seen 234,822 older automobiles up to date with the most recent safety tech embedded into its present fashions to forestall the Physique Management Module (BCM) keyless thefts which have been rife lately.
Each Jaguar and Land Rover automobiles as outdated as 2018 are eligible for the theft prevention upgrades to convey them consistent with the most recent fashions in showrooms right this moment
The automotive maker additionally claims that the UK Police Nationwide Laptop information exhibits that, since January 2022, solely 4 in 1,000 new Vary Rover and new Vary Rover Sports activities have been stolen.
That mentioned, Land Rover stays the third most-pinched model within the final earlier 12 months.
Solely Fords (8,233) and BMWs (4,691) have been stolen in better volumes in 2024.
Nonetheless, the producer listing does reveal that organised gangs are concentrating on luxurious makes.
Mercedes-Benz is fourth general (4,605) within the stolen manufacturers order, with Audi sixth (3,448), Lexus twelfth (1,608) and Jaguar one place behind (1,312).
Whereas premium manufacturers are all the fashion amongst criminals, on account of their desirability in international markets and excessive sell-on worth, unique and high-performance automobiles are proving far much less interesting, it might appear.
That is largely all the way down to the restricted numbers on the highway but additionally the actual fact many may have extra safety put in – resembling trackers – and homeowners usually tend to lock them away in safe storage services.
Solely three Ferraris, seven Lamborghinis. 12 Rolls-Royces and 38 Maseratis have been reported stolen final yr, the DVLA stats recommend.
What Automotive? client editor Claire Evans, mentioned: ‘With annual automotive theft figures persevering with to be very excessive, automotive homeowners must do all they will to maintain their automobiles protected.
‘Even easy measures like parking your automotive in a well-lit space or someplace with cameras, or becoming a steering lock, will act as a deterrent and make your automotive much less interesting to opportunist thieves.’
Claire Wills-Mckissick at Tempcover, added: ‘We recognise how devastating it may be in case your automotive is stolen.
‘Past the bodily loss, the life disruption and added stress may also linger.
‘That is why it is essential to remain knowledgeable about methods to guard your car.’
That is Cash’s 13 prime tricks to fend-off automotive thieves utilizing the most recent hi-tech ways
That is Cash has spoken to plenty of consultants throughout the sphere of auto safety to create a listing of 13 suggestions all automotive homeowners ought to observe to finest shield their motors.
We have enlisted the assistance of Thatcham Analysis, AA President Edmund King and car crime guide Dr Ken German – beforehand head of expertise on the Met stolen automotive squad with a PhD in Worldwide Automobile Crime – to compile the last word listing of automotive safety suggestions:
1. Ensure that your automotive is locked within the first place
This may increasingly appear apparent, however a big proportion of thefts are a results of the car being left unlocked or criminals utilizing sign jammers that block your key fob from speaking with the automotive’s locks.
Drivers ought to all the time test the car is locked and the home windows are up after utilizing a key fob. Pay attention for the locking noise and look ahead to the lights to flash and – in case your automotive has them – computerized wing mirrors to fold.
2. Do not depart your automotive engine operating to defrost home windows
Freezing temperatures can tempt drivers into beginning the automotive’s engine to deice or defrost the home windows, then returning to the heat indoors till the windscreen is evident.
It’d sound apparent however by leaving a car unattended is a big safety threat, even when it is by yourself non-public driveway. In reality, it’s unlawful to do that, and your insurer is unlikely pay out for any loss in case your automotive is stolen on account of this.
Thieves can be checking for stationary automobiles emitting exhaust smoke or which have wing mirrors that usually are folded in when locked however are clearly not.
3. Hold valuables out of sight
‘Out of sight, out of thoughts’. Take away all valuables out of your car to make it much less of a goal to opportunistic thieves.
4. Do you’ve an alarm and immobiliser?
Guarantee your car has a Thatcham-certified alarm, immobiliser and monitoring system fitted. Some insurance coverage insurance policies require the fitment of a monitoring system, so it is essential any related subscriptions to monitoring companies are maintained.
5. Mechanical safety methods – like a steering lock – might sound ‘outdated hat’ however are an awesome deterrent
Steering wheel locks, gear clamps, wheel clamps and different conventional safety methods can act as a robust visible deterrent in opposition to thieves.
6. Set up a doorbell digicam or CCTV at your private home
Doorbell cameras and CCTV methods have gotten more and more in style as each a deterrent for automotive crime and to catch thieves.
Ensure you put money into one which has an evening imaginative and prescient mode and crisp HD decision.
Movement-sensing driveway lighting will also be a robust deterrent.
7. When you’ve got a storage, use it!
When you’ve got a storage, strive to verify there may be sufficient room to your automotive to suit into it, fairly than utilizing it for storage for every type of family litter.
When you’ve got a number of automobiles, nearly prioritise the storage for the considered one of highest worth – and park one other automotive in entrance of the storage door as an additional precaution.
And when you have electrical storage doorways, don’t preserve the transponder contained in the car, resembling within the glovebox. Victims have subsequently discovered this to be the rationale for his or her property being burgled.
8. Take into consideration the place and the way you park in a single day
Most automotive thefts happen beneath the cloak of darkness, so that is a very powerful time to contemplate how safe your car is.
If you do not have a storage however do have a driveway, all the time park tactically.
As an example, when you have a giant driveway, park the automotive sideways to so any thief might want to manoeuvre it. In case your driveway is smaller, park dealing with your own home to extend the probabilities of you being alerted to the lights approaching. And park with the wheels turned on full lock to increase the time it takes for criminals to make a getaway. Even contemplate parking one other much less fascinating automotive in entrance (or behind) your car to forestall straightforward elimination.
These with driveways may also buy lockable obstacles to limit entry – and consultants advise {that a} automotive cowl is commonly a deterrent because of the time it takes to take away one and can look suspicious to neighbours and passersby.
In case you do not need off-street parking, attempt to depart your automotive in a well-lit space – ideally with CCTV monitoring – and able that makes it tough for a thief to maneuver rapidly.
Ken German tells us that some motorists are being further ingenious of their bid to guard their automobiles. Some earlier victims are leaving mannequins within the driver’s seat to dissuade undesirable guests.
9. Verify restore centre and bodyshop accreditation to keep away from key cloning
If you should depart your key with a storage or bodyshop, you must test that they’re a member of an accredited code of follow/skilled customary resembling The Motor Ombudsman or The British Parking Affiliation’s Park Mark scheme.
This could scale back your probabilities of falling sufferer of key cloning.
Additionally, when you have bought your car second-hand with just one working key, go to an authorized restore centre to have the lacking key(s) deleted and add a spare as quickly as attainable.
10. Think about a dashcam or a automotive with theft alerts
Dashcams have grown in recognition lately, with motorists primarily utilizing them to show they weren’t at fault in a crash.
In addition they act as an awesome theft deterrent. It’s because many of those gadgets may also file suspicious exercise round your automotive is parked up and you are not in it.
Nonetheless, ensure you purchase one which uploads movies to cloud storage fairly than saving it solely a reminiscence stick within the sprint cam – as a result of additionally, you will lose this in case your automotive is stolen.
Some fashionable automobiles now provide ‘parking mode’, which additionally may also detect and file motion when parked. This can be utilized as supporting proof by your insurer and the police.
Many of those alerts can be powered by way of a smartphone app, so make sure you’ve activated the characteristic and turned on notifications.
11. At all times wipe saved information from a automotive earlier than you promote it
Some car apps and linked methods can present the earlier proprietor with entry.
If permissions stay lively, be certain that all permissions and information linked to the earlier proprietor are wiped.
12. ‘Locust’ thieves may strike twice
A brand new wave of ‘locust thieves’ exist right this moment who strip automobiles while they’re parked together with the highway and even exterior homeowners’ properties.
Many individuals have woken as much as discover wheels, bonnets and grills and even doorways lacking from their automobiles rendering them undriveable. It’s because these elements have gotten extra precious because the pandemic with manufacturing facility closures and slowdowns which means some parts will not be as available from producers as pre-Covid.
As an example, a Porsche headlight could be price as much as £1,000 right this moment, which has pushed an increase in these elements being stolen. Wing mirrors for high quality automobiles are additionally easy-to-steal high-value parts.
Ken German warns that falling sufferer to locust thieves won’t be the tip of the story. He says homeowners who’ve had elements pinched from their automotive ought to test round and beneath the car to make sure thieves haven’t fitted a monitoring system to allow them to observe when the motor just isn’t getting used and return at a later date to try to steal it.
13. Concentrate on rip-off crash ways deployed to steal automobiles
Whereas carjacking nonetheless exists right this moment, it isn’t as prevalent within the UK as it’s in another nations, resembling South Africa.
That mentioned, in case you are in a excessive worth car you’ll be sensible to drive with the doorways locked in site visitors.
Additionally drive defensively when in a queue leaving sufficient house in entrance so that you can get out of a good spot ought to you should.
In case your car is bumped from behind, wait to drag over and discover someplace protected the place there are folks. In case you’re suspicious do not unlock the door and name the police.
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