Which Cars Get Stolen the Most in the UK? (Latest Data)

If you’re buying a used car, knowing which models are most likely to be stolen is more than just interesting trivia - it’s essential. It helps you make safer choices, avoid riskier models, and most importantly, understand why a car history check can protect you from accidentally buying a stolen vehicle.

Let’s break down the latest data on car theft in the UK, the most targeted makes and models, and how to keep yourself safe.

UK Car Theft at a Glance - The Alarming Numbers

According to the latest figures from the DVLA and Office for National Statistics, more than 130,000 cars were stolen in the UK in the past 12 months - that’s one vehicle taken roughly every four minutes.

Car theft rates have climbed more than 25% over the past three years, driven by organised gangs, keyless entry hacks, and the booming online parts trade.

But here’s what’s really surprising - it’s not always the flashiest cars that top the stolen list.

The Most Stolen Cars in the UK (Latest Data 2024)

Based on DVLA reports, insurance claims, and police statistics, here are the most stolen car models in the UK right now:

If you drive one of these models, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to have it nicked - but it does mean you should be extra cautious with security and always run a car history check before buying used.

Why These Cars Are Thieves’ Favourites

Ever wondered why certain models keep popping up on these lists? It’s rarely random. Here’s what makes these cars especially appealing to criminals:

1. They’re Everywhere

Cars like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf are among the UK’s best-sellers. More cars on the road means more targets - and a thriving market for parts.

2. They’re Easy to Strip or Clone

High-demand cars can be dismantled and sold for parts within hours, or their identity cloned with fake plates and stolen V5C logbooks.

That’s why it’s vital to check the VIN, mileage, and registration history with a trusted car history check before buying - it reveals if a car has been cloned or marked stolen.

3. Keyless Entry Hacks

Luxury SUVs like Range Rovers and Mercedes-Benz are often stolen using relay devices that trick the car into thinking the key fob is nearby. Thieves don’t need to break in - they can just drive away.

4. Export Value

Certain cars, like Toyota RAV4s and Land Rover Discoverys, are highly desirable in overseas markets. Organised gangs ship them abroad quickly, making them hard to trace.

Most Stolen Car Brands in the UK

While the specific models above grab headlines, looking at brands gives a clearer picture of long-term risk. Here’s the ranking of most stolen car brands based on police and insurance data:

Luxury brands dominate the list, but even everyday hatchbacks and family cars aren’t immune. The common thread? Popularity equals vulnerability.

How Car Thieves Operate in 2024

Car theft techniques have evolved beyond hot-wiring. Today’s criminals are tech-savvy and fast. Here’s how most thefts happen:

Regions with the Highest Car Theft Rates in the UK

Car theft hotspots aren’t evenly spread. Some areas are far more affected than others.

If you live in one of these areas, consider investing in additional security - and definitely check any used car’s history before buying locally.

How a Car History Check Protects You

When a stolen car is resold, it often looks perfectly legitimate. The logbook might seem real, the number plates might match the DVLA database, and even the seller might appear trustworthy.

But a car history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk can reveal hidden red flags instantly.

What It Shows:

• If the car is reported stolen by police databases

• Whether it has cloned VIN or registration discrepancies

• If it’s still under finance or has been written off

• MOT and mileage history for tampering signs

Buying without checking is like playing roulette with your savings. Even if the car seems perfect, if it’s stolen, the police can seize it at any time - and you lose both the car and your money.

Real Story - How a £12 Check Saved a £15,000 Loss

Sarah from Bristol found a nearly-new Land Rover Discovery listed privately for £15,000 - a price too good to ignore. Before sending the payment, she decided to run a quick report with TopCarCheck.

The results showed the car was reported stolen just a week earlier in London. She immediately informed authorities, who later recovered the vehicle.

Her £12 car history check literally saved her £15,000.

That’s how powerful a simple check can be.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Car Theft

Whether you’re buying or already own one of the UK’s most stolen cars, here are proven ways to stay safe:

Final Thoughts - Stay Smart, Stay Safe

So, which cars get stolen the most in the UK? The short answer: popular and profitable ones. From the humble Ford Fiesta to the luxurious Range Rover, no brand is completely immune.

But that doesn’t mean you should panic. It just means you should prepare. Whether you’re browsing AutoTrader, checking Facebook Marketplace cars, or buying from a dealer, a quick car history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk gives you peace of mind that your next car isn’t someone else’s stolen property.

Car theft might be rising - but with the right tools, awareness, and a little caution, you can make sure you’re never caught out.

Don’t risk it. Check it before you buy it.