Unveiling The UK’s Most Stolen Car Brands – Is Your Vehicle At Risk?

Range Rover And Land Rover Theft Statistics

Quick summary: Land Rover vehicles experience some of the highest theft rates per registered vehicle because of export demand, premium resale values and keyless systems.

Figures from the DVLA show that one in every hundred Land Rovers was stolen between March 2022 – March 2023.

The Range Rover isn't actually easier to steal than other cars. It is however really popular with car thieves. These cars are really popular abroad, and people have been known to steal them in the UK and ship them abroad.

Range Rovers have keyless entry. On the surface this seems great, but there are negatives that come with it. Criminals can start a car without a key in the ignition. This opens up Range Rovers to huge risk.

Amongst the 896,948 licenced Land Rovers in the UK, 8,284 were reported as stolen. This works out at 924 thefts for every 100,000.

Mercedes-Benz Theft Statistics

Quick summary: Mercedes vehicles remain attractive targets due to premium components, high resale values and advanced electronic systems.

The latest data unveiled on The National News website has shed light on the shocking theft rates of various car brands. Mercedes-Benz has a theft rate of 323 stolen cars per 100,000. It’s a scary statistic that shows just how popular this car is among thieves.

Ford Theft Statistics

Quick summary: Ford often records the highest total theft numbers because of the large number of vehicles on UK roads and demand for replacement parts.

Ford recorded a theft rate of 292 cars stolen per 100,000. This serves as a wake-up call for Ford owners. If you drive a Ford, make sure you are doing everything you can to keep it safe.

Toyota Hybrid Theft Risks

Quick summary: Toyota hybrids such as the RAV4 and C-HR have become increasingly targeted because of hybrid component value, catalytic converter theft and growing demand for parts.

The Toyota RAV4 and Toyota C-HR appear regularly in UK theft reports. Hybrid vehicles may attract thieves looking for valuable components and high-demand replacement parts.

Popular Toyota targets include:

• Toyota RAV4
• Toyota C-HR
• Hybrid variants
• High-spec trims

Does Car Theft Affect Insurance Prices?

Quick summary: Insurers may increase premiums for cars with higher theft rates because replacement costs and claims frequency rise.

Insurers use risk ratings when calculating insurance rates. If your car brand is commonly stolen, its risk rating will be higher and premiums may be too. This isn’t the only factor though. The postcode can have an effect too. In your area, if there are higher theft rates, there’s increased claims, which increases insurer risk and can lead to higher premiums. At the same time, you can reduce insurance premiums by adding an immobiliser to your car.

How To Protect Your Car From Theft

Quick summary: Steering locks, trackers, secure parking and key protection can help reduce vehicle theft risk.

With car theft on the rise, it’s now more important than ever to safeguard your car. We recommend a combination of preventative measures and security practices; here are the best ways to protect your car:

• Lock all doors and windows: We know this is obvious. However, you'd be surprised how many people forget to lock their cars. Make sure you check that all your windows are closed when leaving your car.
• Secure parking: Park your car in well-lit areas or a secure car park. Avoid leaving your vehicle in a quiet or high-crime area.
• Install an alarm system: Invest in a reliable car alarm with impact sensors, motion sensors, and a loud siren. The alarm will alert you and draw attention to a thief.
• Use a steering wheel lock: Something like a steering wheel lock is a really good way of putting thieves off. This makes it harder for criminals to steal your car.
• Install a GPS tracking system: If your car is stolen, you can see where it has been taken to.
• Install a video doorbell for your drive: Video doorbells such as ‘Ring’ can help to alert you if there is any motion around your drive at home. Not just that, they can help capture any thieves if your car is stolen.
• Key management: Be careful with your car keys. Don't leave spare keys inside the car or where they can be seen. If your car has keyless entry, use a signal-blocking box to stop thefts. Be careful with social media: Refrain from sharing any info about your car or where it is parked – especially if you’re going on holiday. Thieves can use this to pick their next target.
• Be vigilant: Report any suspicious activity around your car or parking areas. If you notice anything unusual, report this to the police.
• Insurance: Make sure your insurance policy has theft cover. If your car is stolen, having a fully comprehensive policy will provide financial protection and help you recover your losses.
• Additional anti-theft devices include Faraday pouches for keyless entry vehicles, ghost immobilisers, OBD port locks and driveway bollards. Visible security often encourages thieves to move to easier targets.

No measure is perfect, but trying these measures can reduce the risk of your car being stolen. Stay proactive and informed about the latest car security tech and practices to enhance the protection of your car.

It’s crucial for car owners, regardless of the brand they possess, to stay informed and remain proactive in protecting their car against theft. By implementing robust security measures, such as tracking systems, immobilisers, and vigilant parking habits, we can strive to deter thieves and preserve the safety of our prized cars.

FAQs

Which car brand is stolen most in the UK?

Ford currently records the highest number of vehicle thefts in the UK.

Why are Ford cars stolen so often?

Large numbers on UK roads and demand for replacement parts increase theft risk.

Are hybrid cars more likely to be stolen?

Some hybrid vehicles have experienced increased theft because of component value.

Do theft rates affect insurance prices?

Higher theft risk may increase insurer costs and premiums.

Are keyless cars easier to steal?

Keyless vehicles can be vulnerable to relay attacks and electronic theft methods.

Which car models are stolen most often in the UK?

Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota RAV4, Toyota C-HR and BMW 3 Series frequently appear in theft reports.

How are modern cars usually stolen?

Common methods include relay attacks, CAN bus attacks, OBD programming and theft of physical keys.

Link and Sources:

https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/car-industry-news/2023/03/29/london-sees-highest-number-of-vehicle-thefts-in-2022

https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/insurance-news/vehicle-theft-increases-in-2022