Car theft is a growing concern in the UK, with certain makes and models being targeted more frequently. DVLA data revealed that more than 61,000 vehicles were reported stolen in 2024, with the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK being a mix of bestsellers and high-end models.
Take a closer look at recent car theft statistics, which cars are most targeted by thieves, and how you can use Crystal Ball’s advanced technologies to protect your vehicle from theft.
Car Theft Statistics UK
DVLA data released in response to a Freedom of Information request revealed a few eye-opening car theft statistics for the UK in 2024:
- 61,343 vehicles were reported stolen.
- The number of stolen vehicles is 6% lower than 2023’s figure but the third highest in the past 10 years.
- This equates to 168 cars stolen daily, seven cars stolen every hour, or one car stolen every 8.5 minutes.
- 4446 Ford Fiestas were stolen, making it the UK’s most stolen car last year.
- 38 Maseratis, 12 Rolls Royce models, and 3 Ferraris were stolen.
- The 10 most stolen cars in the UK include Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, BMW 3 Series, Toyota RAV4, Mercedes C-Class, Range Rover Evoque, Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Corsa, and Range Rover Sport.
We’ll touch on a few more car theft statistics for the UK as we unpack the most stolen cars below.
5 Most Stolen Cars in the UK
As you can see from the five most stolen cars in the UK, prestige and price tags don’t mean a vehicle is safer and more secure than budget-friendly bestsellers.
1. Ford Fiesta
4446 Ford Fiestas were reported stolen in 2024, making them the UK’s most stolen vehicle. Almost 90% of those were the Mk6 2008-2017 Fiesta. It’s easy to see why this car tops the list. It’s punchy, easy to drive, offers good economy and low emissions, and suits many people’s pockets. However, the car was discontinued in 2023, and because there are still approximately 1.5 million of them on the UK’s roads, there’s a high demand for spare parts.
2. Volkswagen Golf
1731 Volkswagen Golfs were stolen last year, making this the second most stolen car in the UK. Known for great driving dynamics and practicality, the latest model is available in mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions that offer low emissions and good fuel economy. These, as well as other features that you wouldn’t expect to find in an affordable car, make the Golf highly desirable, which explains why it’s number two on this list.
3. Ford Focus
1700 Ford Focuses were stolen in the UK in 2024. A comfortable, spacious family car, the Ford Focus has a higher price than other family hatchbacks. Over half of those stolen last year were the 2011-2018 model.
4. BMW 3 Series
With 1371 stolen in 2024, the BMW 3 Series is the fourth most stolen car in the UK. Although the BMW 3 Series is a prestige model, it’s also a popular seller thanks to superb engines, good handling, and a smart interior. This is the most stolen BMW, even though the number of thefts was 15% lower compared to the previous year. More than 40% of those stolen in 2024 were the 3 Series 2012-2019.
5. Toyota RAV4
1260 Toyota RAV4s were stolen in the UK last year. This large SUV is practical, reliable, affordable to buy, and cheap to run. It enjoys high demand as a second-hand buy, which helps explain why it has never been among the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK before now. 90%+ of the stolen RAV4s were the 2019-2021 version.
Why UK Cars are at Risk of Theft
The alarming level of car theft in the UK has some people asking why numbers remain high while vehicle technology becomes more advanced. The reality is that car thieves in the UK use increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vehicles’ vulnerabilities.
Keyless systems arguably are the greatest vulnerability of newer models. Criminals use devices to compromise factory-fitted and/or aftermarket vehicle security systems in relay attacks or by code-grabbing. In most digital thefts, thieves scan the factory fob remotely. This replicates the code on the device, turning it into a copy of the vehicle’s factory key. The thief can then disable the alarm, unlock the vehicle, and start it.
How to Prevent Car Theft
Whether you manage a fleet of cars, vans, and other vehicles, or you own a cheap and cheerful hatchback or a prestigious Maserati, learning how to prevent car theft should be one of your top priorities. Criminals’ sophisticated methods demand innovative responses, such as Crystal Ball’s FleetTracker car fleet tracking system for business fleets or our insurance-approved Thatcham trackers for individuals or small organisations with high-value vehicles.
These cutting-edge solutions can help protect vehicles in various ways:
GPS tracking: GPS technology is at the heart of our tracking systems, providing you with your car’s exact location at any time. This offers you the peace of mind that comes with always knowing where your vehicles are. If your car is stolen, GPS data enables the police to act swiftly to recover it.
Tow and tamper alerts: Our tracking system will alert you immediately if it detects any unexpected vehicle movements, enabling you to respond quickly.
Automatic driver identification: With this optional feature, drivers must verify their identity using a unique identification tag before starting the car.
Geofencing: This feature lets you create virtual boundaries around specific areas or along certain routes. You will receive an alert whenever your vehicles cross any of these boundaries.
Remote immobilisation: Our car fleet tracking system and Thatcham S5 and S5+ trackers offer a remote immobilisation feature that allows you to immobilise the car’s engine remotely if you receive a tamper alert.
Protect Your Cars with Crystal Ball
The most stolen cars in the UK in 2024 prove that criminals do not discriminate. All cars, whether high-performance prestige models, luxurious SUVs, or popular budget-friendly hatchbacks, are potential targets. Turn to Crystal Ball for powerful vehicle tracking solutions that can help keep your assets safe.
Contact us to find out how we can help you protect your cars.