Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in the UK

Every year, there are thousands of cars being stolen across the country, and certain models are at far higher risk than others. Some are targeted because there are so many on the road, others because they’re worth a fortune in parts, or they’re easy to sell overseas. But knowledge is power, so let’s educate ourselves on statistics and car security.

Below you’ll find a quick breakdown of the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK and how numbers have shifted year on year, along with tips on cars and how to protect them.

Ford Fiesta – 4,446 thefts

First place goes to the Ford Fiesta, which is still the most stolen car in the UK. In 2024, 4,446 Fiestas were reported as part of the stolen cars in the 2024 statistics. It’s a drop of around 25% from 2023, but still a striking number.

Models like the Ford Fiesta attract thieves because they are common and the demand for spare parts is high. Even though it’s no longer in production, the sheer number on UK roads keeps it a prime target.

Volkswagen Golf – 1,731 thefts

The Volkswagen Golf has been a favourite for generations. It offers practicality, a comfortable ride, and clever technology like mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Due to its merits, the Golf is one of the most stolen vehicles in the UK. Its popularity and numbers on the road make it vulnerable to theft, especially for older models from between 2013 and 2020. The latest versions attract new buyers, but criminals target these earlier models for parts and resale.

Ford Focus – 1,700 thefts

The Ford Focus saw 1,700 thefts in 2024, which is a decline of nearly 20% from the previous year. Despite the drop, it remains frequently stolen.

Older models, particularly those from 2011-2018, are highly sought after because of the strong demand for parts. With so many examples on UK roads, thieves know they can quickly sell components or the whole vehicle on the black market. Even earlier models from between 2004 and 2011 face theft.

Toyota RAV4 – 1,260 thefts

The Toyota RAV4 is a large SUV that’s practical, reliable, and just makes sense as a used buy. Perhaps because of this strong demand as a secondhand vehicle, the RAV4 has made it into the list of the top 10 most at-risk cars, with 1,260 stolen in 2024.

The latest generation, on sale since 2019, is the one criminals go after most. Even with better security systems, its value and reliability make it attractive to thieves.

BMW 3 Series – 1,207 thefts

The BMW 3 Series may be a prestige model, but that desirability also makes it one of the cars most likely to be stolen. In 2024, 1,207 examples were taken, a drop of about 18% compared with the previous year. However, it continues to be the most stolen BMW.

Older generations attract the most attention, especially the 2012-2019 version, which makes up over 40% of thefts. Both the classic saloon and the Touring estate are heavily targeted, along with M3 performance variants.

Range Rover Evoque – 1,079 thefts

The Range Rover Evoque is one of the UK’s most recognisable SUVs, but it has also been a prime target for criminals. The good news is that the number stolen last year dropped to 1,079, a fall of around 27% compared with 2023. Land Rover’s recent push to strengthen security features across its line-up may have been the reason for that.

Most cases of theft involve the previous-generation Evoque. Later models are better protected, so owners of earlier versions may want to confirm whether upgrades are available.

Nissan Juke – 1,027 thefts

The Nissan Juke might not be the newest or flashiest SUV on the road, but it still has plenty of fans thanks to its quirky looks and raised driving position. The trouble is, thieves seem to like it just as much.

The first-generation Juke, sold between 2010 and 2019, is the one they go after most, with more than 90% of stolen examples coming from those years. In fact, thefts jumped by over 60% in 2024 and pushed it firmly into the list of the UK’s most stolen cars.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 1,024 thefts

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most recognisable high-end saloons on UK roads, and it appeals to both private buyers and company car drivers.

In 2024, thefts fell sharply by nearly 43%. However, with more than 1,000 models stolen, the C-Class continues to attract unwanted attention. Older cars, particularly those built between 2015 and 2018, appear to be the most vulnerable.

Range Rover Sport – 950 thefts

The Range Rover Sport has long been a favourite among drivers who want luxury and capability in one package. But the things that make it popular also draw in thieves.

With 950 thefts in 2024, the numbers stayed almost the same as the year before. Newer models arrive with stronger anti-theft systems. However, most cases involve older 2014-2022 vehicles that remain vulnerable, so it stays near the top of the list of the most-often-stolen premium SUVs.

Vauxhall Corsa – 870 thefts

The Vauxhall Corsa is a practical and affordable small car. However, its popularity has kept it on the list of stolen car models.

The total number of thefts fell to 870 in 2024, a drop of around 22% compared with the previous year. That suggests it’s becoming less appealing to thieves, especially newer versions. Older generations, particularly the 2006 to 2014 models, account for most cases.

Why certain models are targeted more

Certain vehicles are more appealing to thieves because of their popularity and vulnerabilities. Many models, such as older cars like the Mk6 Ford Fiesta (2008-2017) or the Mk3 Ford Focus (2011-2018), are targeted because they are common and have a thriving secondhand parts market. Plus, they don’t have as many vehicle security measures as newer cars.

Luxury vehicles like Range Rovers, BMWs, and Mercedes are also frequent targets, not for sheer numbers but because of their high resale value and export demand. Sports cars and premium saloons are attractive for similar reasons, especially when thieves can exploit weaknesses in their vehicle security systems. Cars with keyless entry are particularly vulnerable to relay attacks.

Some vehicles, however, don’t have any special appeal to thieves. They appear more frequently in theft statistics simply because there are more of them on the road. High numbers in reports reflect their popularity and common presence rather than security weaknesses.

What you can do: Preventing theft for vulnerable models

The best approach uses layered security, with multiple measures that help reduce the risk of theft:

• Key security and keyless protection – Store keys away from windows or doors in a Faraday pouch to block electronic scanning.
• Physical deterrents – High-quality steering wheel locks, robust wheel clamps, and Disklok devices increase the effort required to steal a car. Older models that lack built-in security benefit the most from this layer of protection.
• Engine immobilisation – A functional immobiliser prevents thieves from bypassing the ignition system.
• Tracking systems – GPS tracking allows authorities to locate a stolen car quickly, which is particularly valuable for premium vehicles or cars parked in high-risk areas.
• Secure parking and visibility – Even when advanced security measures are in place, park in well-lit, busy, or restricted areas. Location is a critical factor, and choosing the right one might protect your car from theft.
• Regular maintenance and updates – Manufacturer software updates fix security flaws that car thieves could exploit, particularly in keyless entry or connected systems.

Also, a simple check of doors and windows to confirm they lock properly can prevent opportunistic theft.

Sources, Data Notes, & Methodology

We used information from multiple reports to outline statistics on stolen cars in the UK.

Key sources

• Office for National Statistics (ONS) – “Number of cars stolen or tampered with 2023 to 2025”
• Zego – “Latest UK car theft statistics 2025”
• ONS – “Yearly breakdown of total number of vehicles reported as stolen in the UK 2018 to 2025” & “Car thefts and car break‑ins … FOI”
• “Organised Vehicle Theft in the UK: Trends and Challenges” (RUSI / Home Office)

Methodology

• DVLA data via Freedom of Information
• Timeframes - only full calendar years (2023-2024)
• Full data for 2025 is not available yet

Things to consider

• Differences between sources: Slight variations (e.g., in counts for VW Golf) are likely due to different cut‑off dates, different cleaning of data, or whether recovered vehicles are excluded or included.

Final Words

Some vehicles seem to have a higher risk of theft, but it doesn’t mean they’re bad cars. A lot of commonly stolen car models are actually some of the best in terms of performance, practicality, technology, and price. If you follow our tips to protect your vehicle or take some other steps to keep your car safe, any of these models could be a smart and rewarding choice.