Which Cars Get Stolen the Most in the UK? The Latest Data

The more important question is whether the specific car you are considering is genuine and has a clean history. A vehicle can look perfectly normal and still have a stolen vehicle record, cloned identity, outstanding finance or previous insurance damage.

This guide looks at the latest available UK vehicle theft data, explains why certain models are targeted and shows how to check a used car before you pay for it.

Is car theft increasing or decreasing in the UK?

The latest official figures need to be interpreted carefully because UK crime statistics cover several different types of vehicle-related crime.

The Office for National Statistics estimated around 596,000 vehicle-related theft incidents in England and Wales in the year ending December 2025. This represented a 14% decrease compared with the previous year. Police-recorded vehicle offences also fell, with 315,923 offences recorded during the same period. Source: Office for National Statistics.

The figure of 596,000 does not mean that 596,000 cars were stolen. Vehicle-related theft includes different offences, including theft from vehicles and other vehicle-related crimes. Police-recorded vehicle offences also cover more than theft of a vehicle itself.

The official figures also cover England and Wales rather than the entire United Kingdom. Scotland and Northern Ireland publish their own crime statistics, so claims about the number of cars stolen across the whole UK need to make clear exactly which data they are using.

For used-car buyers, the distinction matters because broad vehicle crime statistics tell you about overall trends, while model-specific theft data is needed to understand which vehicles are being targeted.

Which cars get stolen the most in the UK?

There is no single official government database that publishes a definitive annual ranking of every stolen car model across the whole UK. Several organisations publish their own analysis using available theft data, so rankings should always be considered alongside the source and methodology.

Recent model-specific research published by What Car? found that the Ford Fiesta was the most frequently stolen model in its 2025 analysis, followed by the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The list also included the Toyota RAV4, BMW 3 Series, Nissan Juke, Toyota C-HR, Lexus NX, Range Rover Evoque and Vauxhall Corsa.

The full published ranking included a mixture of inexpensive and premium vehicles:

Source: What Car? analysis of 2025 vehicle theft data. The figures represent reported thefts in that source's dataset and should not be interpreted as an official UK-wide theft rate for each model.

The list shows why it can be misleading to assume that car theft is mainly a problem affecting expensive luxury vehicles. Popular family cars and hatchbacks appear alongside premium SUVs and executive cars.

Popularity itself can be one factor. A model with a large number of vehicles on UK roads provides a larger pool of potential targets and creates demand for replacement parts.

Does being on the stolen car list mean you should avoid the model?

No single theft ranking can tell you whether a particular used car is a good or bad purchase.

The total number of thefts is affected by how many examples of the model are on the road. A model with a very large population can have more recorded thefts than a less common model even if an individual vehicle is not necessarily more likely to be stolen.

The age of the vehicle, security technology, location, parking arrangements and demand for the vehicle or its parts can also affect theft risk.

For a used-car buyer, the history of the individual vehicle is therefore more useful than simply looking at its position on a stolen-car list. If you are considering a commonly targeted model, carry out the same identity and history checks you would perform on any other vehicle.

Why are certain cars targeted by thieves?

Several factors can make a particular vehicle attractive to criminals. These can include the number of vehicles in circulation, the value of the car, demand for parts, overseas demand and vulnerabilities in particular security systems.

Popular cars have a strong parts market

Cars that are common on UK roads can have a large market for replacement components. Engines, gearboxes, body panels, headlights, wheels and electronic components can all have resale value.

A stolen vehicle may therefore be worth money even if criminals do not sell it as a complete car. Some vehicles can be dismantled and their components sold separately.

This helps explain why popular hatchbacks and family cars can appear prominently in theft statistics.

Expensive SUVs can be valuable targets

Premium SUVs can attract thieves because the vehicles themselves have a relatively high value and some models have strong demand outside the UK.

Range Rover, Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and other premium models have appeared in published theft statistics.

That does not mean every vehicle from these manufacturers has the same security risk. Security systems differ between models, generations and production years, so buyers should research the exact vehicle rather than judging an entire brand.

Keyless entry can create additional risks

Keyless entry systems allow a vehicle to recognise a nearby key fob and unlock the doors or start the vehicle without the driver physically inserting a key.

Criminals can use relay devices to attempt to extend the signal between a key fob and a vehicle. In a successful relay attack, the vehicle may be tricked into believing that its key is nearby.

The level of vulnerability varies between vehicles and manufacturers, and newer systems have introduced additional security measures.

If you own or are buying a keyless car, check the manufacturer's security advice for the exact model and year. Depending on the vehicle, precautions can include storing keys away from external doors and windows, using a suitable signal-blocking pouch and considering additional physical or electronic security.

Older cars can have different security weaknesses

Older vehicles may use security technology that was designed before some modern theft techniques became widespread.

At the same time, older cars can be attractive because they are common and their components can be relatively easy to sell.

This means vehicle age should be considered alongside the model, security system and theft patterns rather than treated as a simple indicator of risk.

How do you check if a used car has been stolen?

A used car can look legitimate even when there is a serious problem with its history. This is particularly important when buying privately, where you may have limited information about the vehicle before meeting the seller.

There are several checks you should carry out before paying a deposit or completing the purchase.

Check the registration number

Start with the registration number provided in the advert.

Check that it matches the number displayed on the vehicle and the information shown in the paperwork. If the seller provides a registration number before you view the car, you can use it to carry out preliminary checks before travelling.

Be cautious if the seller suddenly says the vehicle has a different registration or gives you an explanation that you cannot independently verify.

A registration number is useful, but it should not be treated as proof that a vehicle is genuine.

Check the VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number is one of the most important identifiers on a used car.

Compare the VIN displayed on the vehicle with the VIN shown in its documentation and any vehicle history report.

The VIN can be found in different locations depending on the manufacturer and vehicle, including areas such as the windscreen, door frame or engine compartment.

If the VINs do not match, do not ignore the discrepancy. It needs to be explained and independently verified before you continue with the purchase.

This is particularly important because vehicle cloning involves using the identity of another legitimate vehicle. Our guide on how criminals clone car identities and how to spot it explains the warning signs buyers should look for.

Check the stolen vehicle status

A vehicle history check can help establish whether a car has been recorded as stolen in the relevant data available to the provider.

This check is particularly valuable before buying privately because the seller's description cannot confirm whether the vehicle has a problematic history.

If a report indicates that a vehicle may have been stolen, stop the transaction and seek appropriate advice rather than relying on the seller's explanation.

Check the V5C logbook

Ask to see the V5C and compare its details with the vehicle.

Check the registration number, make, model, colour and VIN, and look for discrepancies.

It is important to remember that the V5C is not proof of ownership. A genuine-looking document does not by itself prove that the seller has the legal right to sell the vehicle.

Check the wider vehicle history

A stolen vehicle check is only one part of a proper used-car investigation.

You should also check for outstanding finance, insurance write-off records, mileage information, MOT history, previous keepers and other available vehicle records.

Our Vehicle History Check guide explains how these different types of information fit together and why buyers should assess the whole history rather than relying on one document or database.

Is a DVLA check enough when buying a used car?

Checking information held by the DVLA is a useful part of the process, but it does not provide a complete vehicle history.

Basic vehicle information can help confirm details such as the make, model, engine size, fuel type, tax and MOT status. However, it does not provide every piece of information a buyer may need before purchasing a used vehicle.

For example, a basic DVLA check does not give you the complete picture of outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, stolen vehicle records or potential mileage issues.

Our article Why a DVLA Check Isn't Enough When Buying Used explains the difference between checking basic official vehicle information and carrying out a broader vehicle history investigation.

How can a car history check help?

A car history check brings together information that can help you investigate the background of a used vehicle before buying it.

TopCarCheck reports can include checks covering areas such as stolen status, outstanding finance, write-off records, MOT history, mileage, ownership information and other available vehicle details.

Stolen vehicle check

This can identify whether the vehicle is recorded as stolen in the relevant data available to the service.

If a report shows a stolen record, the purchase should be stopped until the situation has been properly investigated.

Outstanding finance

Finance is not the same as theft, but it can still create a significant problem for someone buying a used car.

Checking for outstanding finance can help you identify whether there is a financial agreement recorded against the vehicle before you hand money to the seller.

Write-off information

A vehicle can have previous insurance damage even if it has since been repaired and looks good.

A write-off record gives you an important piece of information that you would not necessarily discover from a visual inspection.

MOT and mileage history

MOT records provide a useful timeline for the vehicle.

Comparing recorded mileages over time can help identify inconsistencies that need further investigation. A low mileage figure should make sense when compared with the car's previous MOT records and other available information.

Our article Low Mileage Isn't Always Good News explains why a low number on the dashboard should not automatically be treated as a positive sign.

Accident history

Previous accident or insurance information can reveal another important part of a car's past.

If your report contains accident information, you should investigate what happened, how serious the damage was and how the vehicle was repaired.

Our guide Accident Recorded on the Report - What Should You Check Next? explains the next steps when accident information appears on a vehicle history report.

What should you do if a car might be stolen?

If a history report, VIN check or physical inspection raises concerns that a vehicle could be stolen or cloned, do not continue with the purchase while the issue remains unresolved.

Do not send the seller a deposit simply because they say the problem is an error.

Keep copies of the vehicle advert, seller messages, photographs and any relevant documents. If you have serious concerns about the vehicle's identity or stolen status, contact the police or the appropriate authority for advice.

If you have already bought the vehicle and subsequently discover information suggesting that it may be stolen, seek advice promptly rather than attempting to sell or move the vehicle yourself.

What if the car is much cheaper than similar vehicles?

An unusually low price does not prove that a car is stolen, but it is a reason to investigate the vehicle more carefully.

Compare the car with similar vehicles based on age, mileage, specification, condition, MOT history and service history.

A large difference in price should have a reasonable explanation. If the seller claims that they need a quick sale, for example, that does not prevent you from carrying out the normal checks.

Be particularly cautious if the seller pressures you to pay quickly, refuses to let you inspect the VIN, avoids questions about the V5C or asks you to pay before you have seen the vehicle.

How can you protect your own car from theft?

If you already own a model that appears frequently in theft statistics, the data does not mean that your car will be stolen. However, sensible security measures can reduce opportunities for thieves.

If your car has keyless entry, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for protecting the key. Keeping the key away from external doors and windows and using a suitable signal-blocking pouch can help reduce the risk of relay attacks.

Additional security devices, such as approved immobilisers, trackers and steering-wheel locks, can provide another layer of protection depending on the vehicle.

Parking also matters. A locked garage or secure car park can make a vehicle more difficult to access than an exposed parking space, while good lighting and awareness of the surrounding area can also reduce opportunities for criminals.

Do not leave bags, laptops or other valuables visible inside the vehicle, as these can attract attention even when the vehicle itself is not the intended target.

Should you avoid a car that appears on a stolen-car list?

A theft ranking alone cannot tell you whether a particular used car is worth buying.

Some of the models that appear frequently in theft statistics are also among the most common cars on UK roads. Their high theft numbers can therefore partly reflect how many examples exist.

Instead of making a decision based solely on the model, investigate the specific vehicle.

Check its registration and VIN, compare the paperwork, review its MOT and mileage history, check for stolen records and outstanding finance, and investigate any accident or write-off information.

The condition of the individual car and the evidence supporting its history are more useful when assessing a used vehicle than a headline ranking on its own.

Final thoughts

Recent theft data shows that criminals target a wide range of vehicles, from common hatchbacks such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf to SUVs and premium models. Popularity, parts demand, vehicle value and security technology can all influence which cars become attractive targets.

At the same time, official crime statistics need to be interpreted carefully because vehicle-related theft covers more than cars being stolen, and the most detailed model-specific rankings come from separate industry or insurance datasets.

For someone buying a used car, the key issue is therefore not simply whether the model appears on a list of commonly stolen vehicles. It is whether the particular vehicle has a history that you can verify.

Before paying for a used car, check the registration, VIN, V5C, MOT history, mileage, finance status, write-off records and stolen vehicle information.

A TopCarCheck vehicle history check can bring many of these checks together, helping you identify potential problems before you commit your money.

A few minutes spent checking the car's history can give you information that you cannot get from the seller's advert alone.

This article has been updated September 2026 using the latest available UK vehicle crime statistics and published model-specific theft data. Statistics and theft rankings can change as new data becomes available.