Some 61,343 cars were reported stolen last year, which equates to one pinched every eight and a half minutes, official figures have confirmed – and we can tell you if yours is among the models most at threat.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics released following Freedom of Information requests have shown 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.
While 2024’s vehicle theft numbers are down 6 per cent on the 64,087 recorded over the year previous, it’s still the third highest annual theft figure seen in the last decade – and more than double the volume in 2015 – as criminals use deploy a variety of new advanced tactics to infiltrate modern cars.
Unsurprisingly, the Ford Fiesta – Britain’s most owned motor – is the one that’s most commonly stolen, with almost 4,500 examples taken from rightful keepers last year.
DVLA data provided on request to both What Car? and insurer Tempcover – and shared exclusively with This is Money – lists the 20 models targeted by thieves in highest volumes throughout 2024. We count them down in this article.
Granular analysis of the stats exposes which generations are most at risk so you can see if your car is one of the most vulnerable.
The figures also reveal how many vehicles from each of the best-selling brands were unlawfully taken by criminals last year.
THE 20 MOST STOLEN CARS OF 2024
1. Ford Fiesta – 4,446 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk6 sold between 2008-2017
Ford’s Fiesta – Britain’s most common car – is again the most stolen. In 2024, some 4,446 were pinched, which is 26% fewer than the year previous. Owners of the Mk6 version pictured (sold between 2008 and 2017) need to be particularly aware of the threat they’re under…
Given there’s more Fiestas on UK roads than any other model – believed to be around 1.5 million examples currently – there is little shock to see it once again top the stolen cars charts with 4,446 owners telling the DVLA theirs had gone missing last year.
However, putting the theft numbers into perspective, the volume of Ford superminis pinched is around two and a half times that of the second most-stolen model.
That said, Fiesta thefts are down a quarter (26 per cent) year-on-year, falling from 5,976 in 2023.
Experts had previously told This is Money that the Fiesta could become an increasing target for criminal rings after Ford ceased production in summer 2023 triggering demand for spare parts from existing models on the road.
According to What Car?’s analysis, the majority of stolen Fiestas are the Mk6 generation – produced between 2008 and 2017 – which accounted for 89 per cent of Fiesta all thefts last year.
2. Volkswagen Golf – 1,731 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk7 sold between 2013-2019
The VW Golf has moved up to second in the UK car theft rankings despite a 15% decline in reported stolen. A total of 1,731 were taken from their owners last year – and it is the Mk7 variant (pictured) that’s getting pinched most
Like the Fiesta, the Golf is an evergreen model that dominates our street. With that in mind, 1,731 being reported stolen to the authorities isn’t a surprise.
However, theft volumes are down 15 per cent on 2023, the DVLA’s records show. Despite this, the Golf moved up one place in the rankings to second overall on the motor theft league table.
The most targeted VW Golf was the seventh-generation example sold between 2013 and 2019, accounting for 53 per cent of all Golfs taken in 2024.
3. Ford Focus – 1,700 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk3 sold between 2011-2018
The Ford Focus has dropped one place in the order of most stolen cars from 2023 to 2024, with 1,700 taken last year (down 20%). The third-generation Focus (2011-2018) pictured is the version stolen in greatest volumes, DVLA data shows
The Ford Focus dropped below the Golf in the charts of most stolen cars as a fifth fewer owners reported their cars missing compared to 2023.
A total of 1,700 were taken from their rightful keepers, which is 420 less than the year previous.
With Ford set to kill off the Focus later this year so it can make way for a new electric replacement, like the Fiesta it could also become increasingly targeted to be broken down for in-demand spare parts.
The third generation, 2011 to 2018, car is the one that’s taken most, representing 57 per cent of all Focus thefts over the previous 12 months.
4. BMW 3 Series – 1,371 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk6 sold between 2013-2018
When it comes to pinching BMW 3 Series cars, thieves are not as picky as they are with other models. There’s a relatively equal spread of thefts across three generations accounting to the 1,243 taken in 2024, though it is the 2013-2018 model (pictured) taken most
Having been on sale since the seventies and a model that’s been incredibly popular in the UK for decades, it is not all that alarming to see the BMW 3 Series so high on this list.
The 1,371 stolen in 2024 includes the conventional saloon but also coupe, convertible, ‘Touring’ estate and sporty M3 variants. It’s enough to jump three places in the order from the year previous, despite 7 per cent fewer reported missing to the DVLA.
Thieves appear less picky about which generation they want to steal. The previous-gen (sold from 2013 to 2018) is taken in biggest numbers (516) representing 41 per cent of all 3 Series thefts, though the earlier model from 2006 to 2012 (29 per cent) and the current version (22 per cent) are also targeted often.
5. Toyota RAV4 – 1,260 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk5 sold between 2019-present
The Toyota RAV4 was Britain’s fourth most stolen car in 2024 with 1,260 pinched. More than 9 in 10 RAV4s taken last year were the current generation car (pictured) sold from 2019 onwards
Shooting up the charts into fourth in 2024 car theft list is the Toyota RAV4. Like the previously mentioned motors, it’s been around for decades, first launching in 1994. That means there are plenty in the UK to be sought out by criminals.
However, unlike the models above, it is the latest version that seems to be the one organised gangs are going after.
Incredibly, 1,168 of the 1,260 total RAV4s nicked last year – accounting for 93 per cent – were the current generation, which has been on sale since 2019.
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 1,123 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk4 sold between 2015-2020
The Mercedes-Class was again high on the shopping list of criminals pinching motors, with 1,123 stolen last year. That’s 37% fewer than in 2023, DVLA records suggest. The previous-gen car (pictured) is the one targeted most
As with the BMW 3 Series, the 1,123 stolen Mercedes C-Class covers all body types, including saloons, cabriolets, coupes, estates and hot AMG variants, which somewhat inflates the total volume.
That said, thefts of C-Class models in Britain are down by more than a third (37 per cent) year-on-year when comparing to the DVLA’s figures for last year and 2023.
It’s the previous-generation Merc that gangs are really wanting – those sold from 2015 to 2020 – account for more than three in five taken.
7. Range Rover Evoque – 1,087 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk1 sold between 2011-2019
JLR’s huge £16m investment to prevent thefts of its desirable luxury SUVs appears to be working. The Range Rover Evoque was the manufacturer’s most pinched model, and it’s older versions dating back to 2011 (pictured) – and many therefore not eligible for a free security update – that were taken in highest volumes last year
Land Rover models have been the apple of organised criminal gangs’ eyes in recent years.
Huge demand for the luxury SUVs in overseas markets along with seemingly penetrable security systems using new hi-tech tactics had seen some Range Rovers become uninsurable in Britain as a result of increasing thefts.
To tackle the issue, the British brand – now owned by Indian giant Tata – has invested an unprecedented £16million in the last 12 months or so to update the software in its latest cars as well as existing models dating back to 2018. It has even spent over £1million funding police stings at ports where many pinched motors are destined to be loaded into containers and shipped to other countries.
And it appears its efforts are being rewarded, with Evoque thefts down 27 per cent year-on-year, dropping to 1,087 reported cases in 2024.
It is the first-generation Evoques (sold from 2011 to 2019) that account for most thefts – 80 per cent) – so many of them not qualifying for the free security upgrade offered on models up to seven years old.
8. Nissan Juke – 1,027 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk1 sold between 2010-2019
Nissan’s Juke, which is built in Sunderland, is the nation’s 8th most pinched car, according to 2024 data. And its older models that are most vulnerable, with DVLA records showing 92% stolen are the first-generation cars sold from 2010 to 2019 (pictured)
Nissan’s Juke makes the list of top 10 most stolen cars in a year for the first time on record. Given the small crossover has accounted for three in ten Nissan sales over the last decade, it is a model that’s not difficult for criminals to target if they want one.
And it’s the first-generation Juke – sold between 2010 and 2019 – that is proving extremely popular with thieves.
Of the 1,027 examples of the Nissan reported stolen by owners last year, 949 (92 per cent) were the older variant.
9. Vauxhall Corsa – 870 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk2 (Corsa D) sold between 2007-2014
Despite being one of the most common cars on our roads – only Ford’s Fiesta and Focus are registered in the UK in larger volumes – the Corsa isn’t as popular among thieves. Reported cases of pinched Vauxhall superminis were down 22% year-on-year and it’s the 2007-2014 generation that’s most commonly taken
It appears Vauxhall’s volume-selling small car is not as desirable to thieves as the Corsa’s biggest rival, the Fiesta.
Despite going on sale in the early nineties and there being over a million of them on our streets today, the 870 reported stolen is a mere fraction of the cars available to petty criminals and organised gangs. Thefts in 2024 were down 22 per cent on the year previous, too.
It’s older, third-generation, examples that are nicked most commonly. Some 475 of the thefts were of 2007 to 2014 cars, which accounts for 55 per cent in total. Two fifths of stolen Corsas are across the two generations since.
10. Range Rover Sport – 867 stolen
Most targeted generation: Mk2 sold between 2014-2022
Yet more proof that JLR’s security efforts are working is the 47% decline in thefts of Range Rover Sports in 2024 compared to 2023. Just 5% of the 879 nicked last year were the latest generation
Of the 867 Range Rover Sports pinched in the previous 12 months, just 45 (5 per cent) were current examples on sale since 2023 with the latest theft prevention software.
Around 78 per cent of RR Sports taken from their owners last year were the generation earlier (sold from 2014 to 2022) of which – like older Range Rover Evoques – many won’t have been eligible for JLR’s free theft-blocking upgrades made available by the British car firm.
While the Sport is tenth overall in the stolen model standings, half of the numbers taken the year before were pinched in 2024, with thefts declining a staggering 47 per cent.
BRANDS MOST COMMONLY TARGETED BY THIEVES
The newly published data provides welcome news for one particular manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover.
The luxury British car maker appears to have stemmed the flood of its vehicles being stolen by organised gangs after investing millions into upgrading both its new and used models with the latest security technology to block modern theft tactics.
JLR told us a total £15million investment has seen 234,822 older vehicles updated with the latest security tech embedded into its current models to prevent the Body Control Module (BCM) keyless thefts that have been rife in recent years.
Both Jaguar and Land Rover cars as old as 2018 are eligible for the theft prevention upgrades to bring them in line with the latest models in showrooms today
The car maker also claims that the UK Police National Computer data shows that, since January 2022, only four in 1,000 new Range Rover and new Range Rover Sports have been stolen.
That said, Land Rover remains the third most-pinched brand in the last previous 12 months.
Only Fords (8,233) and BMWs (4,691) were stolen in greater volumes in 2024.
However, the manufacturer list does reveal that organised gangs are targeting luxury makes.
Mercedes-Benz is fourth overall (4,605) in the stolen brands order, with Audi sixth (3,448), Lexus 12th (1,608) and Jaguar one place behind (1,312).
While premium brands are all the rage among criminals, due to their desirability in foreign markets and high sell-on value, exotic and high-performance vehicles are proving far less appealing, it would seem.
This is largely down to the limited numbers on the road but also the fact many will have additional security installed – such as trackers – and owners are more likely to lock them away in secure storage facilities.
Only three Ferraris, seven Lamborghinis. 12 Rolls-Royces and 38 Maseratis were reported stolen last year, the DVLA stats suggest.
What Car? consumer editor Claire Evans, said: ‘With annual car theft figures continuing to be very high, car owners need to do all they can to keep their cars safe.
‘Even simple measures like parking your car in a well-lit area or somewhere with cameras, or fitting a steering lock, will act as a deterrent and make your car less appealing to opportunist thieves.’
Claire Wills-Mckissick at Tempcover, added: ‘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.’
This is Money’s 13 top tips to fend-off car thieves using the latest hi-tech tactics
This is Money has spoken to a number of experts across the field of vehicle security to create a list of 13 tips all car owners should follow to best protect their motors.
We’ve enlisted the help of Thatcham Research, AA President Edmund King and vehicle crime consultant Dr Ken German – previously head of technology at the Met stolen car squad with a PhD in International Vehicle Crime – to compile the ultimate list of car security tips:
1. Make sure your car is locked in the first place
This may seem obvious, but a large proportion of thefts are a result of the vehicle being left unlocked or criminals using signal jammers that block your key fob from communicating with the car’s locks.
Drivers should always check the vehicle is locked and the windows are up after using a key fob. Listen for the locking noise and watch for the lights to flash and – if your car has them – automatic wing mirrors to fold.
2. Don’t leave your car engine running to defrost windows
Freezing temperatures can tempt drivers into starting the car’s engine to deice or defrost the windows, then returning to the warmth indoors until the windscreen is clear.
It might sound obvious but by leaving a vehicle unattended is a huge security risk, even if it’s on your own private driveway. In fact, it is illegal to do this, and your insurer is unlikely pay out for any loss if your car is stolen as a result of this.
Thieves will be checking for stationary cars emitting exhaust smoke or that have wing mirrors that normally are folded in when locked but are clearly not.
3. Keep valuables out of sight
‘Out of sight, out of mind’. Remove all valuables from your vehicle to make it less of a target to opportunistic thieves.
4. Do you have an alarm and immobiliser?
Ensure your vehicle has a Thatcham-certified alarm, immobiliser and tracking system fitted. Some insurance policies require the fitment of a tracking device, so it’s important any associated subscriptions to monitoring services are maintained.
5. Mechanical security systems – like a steering lock – might seem ‘old hat’ but are a great deterrent
Steering wheel locks, gear clamps, wheel clamps and other traditional security systems can act as a strong visual deterrent against thieves.
6. Install a doorbell camera or CCTV at your home
Doorbell cameras and CCTV systems are becoming increasingly popular as both a deterrent for car crime and to catch thieves.
Make sure you invest in one that has a night vision mode and crisp HD resolution.
Motion-sensing driveway lighting can also be a strong deterrent.
7. If you have a garage, use it!
If you have a garage, try to make sure there is enough room for your car to fit into it, rather than using it for storage for all types of household clutter.
If you have multiple vehicles, almost prioritise the garage for the one of highest value – and park another car in front of the garage door as an extra precaution.
And if you have electric garage doors, do not keep the transponder inside the vehicle, such as in the glovebox. Victims have subsequently found this to be the reason for their property being burgled.
8. Think about where and how you park overnight
Most car thefts take place under the cloak of darkness, so this is the most important time to consider how secure your vehicle is.
If you don’t have a garage but do have a driveway, always park tactically.
For instance, if you have a big driveway, park the car sideways to so any thief will need to manoeuvre it. If your driveway is smaller, park facing your house to increase the chances of you being alerted to the lights coming on. And park with the wheels turned on full lock to extend the time it takes for criminals to make a getaway. Even consider parking another less desirable car in front (or behind) your vehicle to prevent easy removal.
Those with driveways can also purchase lockable barriers to restrict access – and experts advise that a car cover is often a deterrent due to the time it takes to remove one and will look suspicious to neighbours and passersby.
If you do not have off-street parking, try to leave your car in a well-lit area – ideally with CCTV monitoring – and in a position that makes it difficult for a thief to move quickly.
Ken German tells us that some motorists are being extra inventive in their bid to protect their cars. Some previous victims are leaving mannequins in the driver’s seat to dissuade unwanted visitors.
9. Check repair centre and bodyshop accreditation to avoid key cloning
If you need to leave your key with a garage or bodyshop, you should check that they are a member of an accredited code of practice/professional standard such as The Motor Ombudsman or The British Parking Association’s Park Mark scheme.
This should reduce your chances of falling victim of key cloning.
Also, if you have purchased your vehicle second-hand with only one working key, visit an approved repair centre to have the missing key(s) deleted and add a spare as soon as possible.
10. Consider a dashcam or a car with theft alerts
Dashcams have grown in popularity in recent years, with motorists primarily using them to prove they were not at fault in a crash.
They also act as a great theft deterrent. This is because many of these devices will also record suspicious activity around your car is parked up and you’re not in it.
However, make sure you buy one that uploads videos to cloud storage rather than saving it only a memory stick in the dash cam – because you will also lose this if your car is stolen.
Some modern vehicles now offer ‘parking mode’, which also can also detect and record movement when parked. This can be used as supporting evidence by your insurer and the police.
Many of these alerts will be powered via a smartphone app, so ensure you’ve activated the feature and turned on notifications.
11. Always wipe stored info from a car before you sell it
Some vehicle apps and connected systems can provide the previous owner with access.
If permissions remain active, ensure that all permissions and data linked to the previous owner are wiped.
12. ‘Locust’ thieves might strike twice
A new wave of ‘locust thieves’ exist today who strip cars whilst they’re parked at the side of the road and even outside owners’ homes.
Many people have woken up to find wheels, bonnets and grills and even doors missing from their cars rendering them undriveable. This is because these parts are becoming more valuable since the pandemic with factory closures and slowdowns meaning some components are not as readily available from manufacturers as pre-Covid.
For instance, a Porsche headlight can be worth up to £1,000 today, which has driven a rise in these parts being stolen. Wing mirrors for top of the range vehicles are also easy-to-steal high-value components.
Ken German warns that falling victim to locust thieves might not be the end of the story. He says owners who have had parts pinched from their car should check around and under the vehicle to ensure thieves have not fitted a tracking device so they can track when the motor is not being used and return at a later date to attempt to steal it.
13. Be aware of scam crash tactics deployed to steal cars
While carjacking still exists today, it is not as prevalent in the UK as it is in some other countries, such as South Africa.
That said, if you are in a high value vehicle you would be wise to drive with the doors locked in traffic.
Also drive defensively when in a queue leaving enough space in front for you to get out of a tight spot should you need to.
If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over and find somewhere safe where there are people. If you’re suspicious don’t unlock the door and call the police.
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