What’s the Most Stolen Car in the UK? [20+ Surprising Stats]

Before deciding on which car you should buy, it might be good to know which of the most stolen cars UK residents have reported in the past year. You don’t want to risk your vehicle being stolen, or even worse, inadvertently buying a stolen car. So consider the following stats of the most common models of stolen cars in the UK to take the necessary precautions in securing your vehicle.

Most Stolen Cars UK: Fascinating Facts

• 74,769 vehicles were reported stolen in the UK in 2020.
• 37% of stolen cars are between one and five years old.
• Ford Fiesta is the most stolen car in the UK, with 3,392 reported missing.
• Range Rover is the second most stolen car, with 2,881 thefts reported.
• 81% of all vehicles are stolen at night.
• 76% of cars are stolen from the street.
• London has seen a 256% increase in car thefts in the past four years.
• 36% of vehicles are stolen without keys.

The Numbers on a National Level

Car theft in the UK is becoming a serious problem, with the numbers rising significantly in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly influenced the growing number of criminal offences, with car thefts soaring during the government-endorsed lockdowns. Consider the following latest numbers of the car-theft situation in the UK.

#1 In 2020, 74,769 vehicles were reported stolen in the UK

(Mirror)

The number of vehicles reported stolen in the UK in 2020 amounted to 74,769, i.e., one vehicle stolen approximately every seven minutes.

#2 There was a 33% increase in the number of stolen vehicles between 2019 and 2020

(WhatCar?)

Car thefts in the UK increased by 33% between 2019 and 2020. This increase was attributed to the COVID-19 lockdowns—when the government advised people not to leave their homes; therefore, leaving their cars unattended.

#3 In the UK, 72% of stolen vehicles are not recovered

(Shropshire Star)

The number of stolen vehicles that are never recovered has reached an all-time high of 72%. Furthermore, only 28% of vehicles are returned to owners, many of which are damaged. So the chances of finding a stolen car in the UK are slim.

#4 Wallets and handbags account for 39% of thefts from vehicles

(Goodwood)

The number of thefts from vehicles also reached record highs. Wallets and handbags in cars are the most commonly stolen items at 39%, followed by car exterior accessories at 19%. Other commonly stolen items include electrical equipment (13%), tools (10%), and catalytic converters (8%).

#5 Out of all stolen vehicles, 37% are between one and five years old

(Autocar)

A large part of stolen vehicles includes relatively new ones. Car crime statistics reveal that 37% of stolen vehicles are more than one year old but less than five. So if you’ve recently bought a new vehicle, you need to exercise additional caution since thieves don’t like to waste time on older cars.

The Most Stolen Vehicles

You may be among those that believe that only luxury cars are stolen across the UK. But the make and model of the most stolen car in the UK might surprise you. The following reveals the most commonly stolen cars in the UK.

#6 Ford Fiesta was the most stolen car in the UK in 2020, with 3,392 stolen

(Mirror)

The most stolen car in the UK in 2020 was the Ford Fiesta at 3,392. But this isn’t so surprising considering that the Fiesta has been the most-registered vehicle in the UK in the past 12 years.

#7 The second most stolen car is the Range Rover, with 2,881 thefts reported

(Mirror)

On the list of the most stolen cars in the UK in 2020, the Range Rover took second place, with 2,881 thefts reported. The Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus took third and fourth, with 1,975 and 1,587 thefts reported, respectively.

#8 High-value car models are found among the 10 most commonly stolen cars

(The Scotsman)

The Range Rover is not the only high-value car model on the top-10 most stolen cars list. The BMW X5 and the BMW 5 Series are commonly nicked, with 1,435 stolen. Other high-value vehicles on the list of the most stolen cars in the UK include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (766 thefts) and the Land Rover Discovery (900).

#9 Vans are a commonly stolen type of vehicle, with 1,169 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI vans stolen in 2020

(CommercialFleet)

The most common type of motor vehicle stolen in the UK is the van. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI is the most stolen model, with 1,169 stolen in 2020, followed by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314 CDI (860) and the Ford Transit 350 (756).

#10 The Alfa Romeo 145 is the least stolen car in the UK

(insurance Edge)

On the list of the least stolen cars in the UK, the Alfa Romeo 145 is at the top, with only one reported stolen in 2020. Other (rarely) stolen vehicles included the Volvo XC40 (three) and the Abarth 695 (seven).

#11 There were 101 John Deere vehicles stolen in 2020

(Mirror)

John Deere utility vehicles were also targeted by thieves, 101 of which included tractors, riding lawn mowers, and buggies were stolen.

When & Where?

When considering the most stolen cars in the UK in 2020, it’s essential to clarify when and where these thefts occurred. Time and place play a significant role in the number of thefts and how the offense was executed. Check out some of the following car crime hot spots.

#12 Most vehicles (81%) are stolen at night

(Goodwood)

The majority (81%) of vehicle thefts occur at night. As is the case with any other crime, car thefts are committed under the cloak of darkness—like most burglaries in the UK. You could at least protect your car by parking in a well-lit area.

#13 More than half (63%) of car thefts happen during weekdays

(Total Loss Gap)

Motor vehicle theft is common during the week—63% of all car thefts occur during weekdays (Monday to Friday).

#14 A large percentage (76%) of vehicles are stolen from the street

(Shropshire Star)

It’s advisable to use a parking garage to protect your car from being stolen since 76% of thefts occur on the street. But if you don’t have access to a garage and park your car on the street, you should consider installing an alarm or implementing another security measure.

#15 London has the highest number of reported thefts

(FleetNews, Express)

The town of Romford (East London) has the highest number of car thefts in the UK, with 16.38 per 1,000 households. The West Midlands and Greater Manchester have also seen a rise in car thefts and now rank in second and third place.

#16 London has experienced a 256% increase in car thefts since 2016

(The Sunday Times)

Besides being the city with the most significant number of car crimes, London also has the country’s most prominent car crime uptick. Since 2016, the number of car thefts in the city has increased by 256%, while vehicle theft has increased by 100% in Birmingham, Nottingham, and Greater Manchester.

Methods & Aftermath

Thieves utilize many ways to break into targeted vehicles. Consider the following most common methods car thefts are committed and what the aftermath means for car owners.

#17 Keyless car thefts are the most common at 36%

(The Scotsman)

Relay attacks (keyless car thefts) are the most common methods of stealing a car. Car theft statistics for the UK show that 36% of all cars are stolen by manipulating the signal of the remote locking device.

#18 Stolen keys account for 24% of car thefts

(Carbuyer)

Car owners should be cautious about where they leave their car keys—24% of car thefts happen because the thief has managed to acquire the keys. Keys should be kept out of sight (ideally with the owner) and further away from windows, so they aren’t easily spotted and reached.

#19 Unlocked car doors and forced locks account for 14% of thefts

(The Scotsman)

UK car theft statistics show that 14% of thefts occur because of unlocked doors or locks being forced open. Although car hijacking is rare, thieves typically carry the necessary equipment to break into a vehicle. So don’t make things easier for them by leaving your doors unlocked.

#20 Police declare 30% of stolen vehicles as write-offs

(Autocar)

With advanced technological developments, car thefts are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to trace. Police often have no other choice but to declare a good portion (30%) of stolen vehicles as write-offs.

#21 Agitation in 76% of people is the most common effect of car theft

(Autocar)

Car theft statistics reveal that the most common effect of car theft is an annoyance. Some 76% of people who’ve had their car stolen reported feeling annoyed—more so than shock, stress, or fear.

Wrap Up

The number of stolen cars in the UK is seeing a gradual increase year by year. So, what is the most stolen car in the UK is an excellent question to ask. Hopefully, our stats have helped you understand that it’s essential to be vigilant and implement security measures to protect your vehicle.