What is the most stolen car in the UK?

Monday, 26 May 2025

Data released by the DVLA has revealed the cars most targeted by thieves in 2024. The report also shows that while car theft fell by 6% year on year in the UK, there is also twice as much car theft as 10 years ago.

In total, 61,343 cars were stolen during the year. When you put that number into context, that adds up to 168 per day, and 7 per hour.

The Ford Fiesta is the most stolen car in the UK

Ford Fiesta 2016

It is an accolade no car wants, but the Ford Fiesta was stolen 4,446 times in 2024 – that’s more than double the next highest on the list. Why is this the case?

One of the main reasons is that Ford stopped production of the model in 2023, which has led to an increase in the demand and price of spare parts. Thieves are just as likely to strip Fiestas of their parts as sell the complete car on. Fiestas also have a keyless entry system, which have become notoriously vulnerable to criminals. Fiestas are one of the most common cars on the road, so get involved in a higher number of accidents, and need more spare parts, so it is perhaps to be expected just how much they are targeted by thieves.

The spike in Fiesta theft even made the news headlines.

Other commonly stolen cars

Volkswagen Golf

The VW Golf is second on the most stolen list, with 1,731 cars reported stolen.

Ford Focus

Another Ford model, the Focus, is in the slipstream of the Golf – it was stolen 1,700 times in 2024.

BMW 3 series

The BMW 3 series came next, with 1,371 vehicles stolen. BMWs are highly sought after because they are made by a prestige manufacturer, are fast, powerful and hold the road well.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 was stolen 1, 260 times.

Ways to protect your car from being stolen

Guard against relay attacks

What all these makes and models of car have in common is that they are operated with a keyless entry system. Sensors in the vehicle detect the presence of the fob and allow you to open the car door without actually using a key. You can also start the engine by pressing a button.

Keyless entry systems are vulnerable to relay attacks, which criminals use to amplify the radio frequency signal from the keyfob, in order to get access to the vehicle remotely. The best way to protect yourself from relay attacks is to keep the keyfob in a Faraday pouch, which blocks the RFID signal. Faraday pouches are widely available to buy. Metal cases also do this job effectively too.

Strengthen your in-car security

Consider installing an immobiliser or tracking device, or securing your steering wheel with a locking mechanism.

Park in well-lit areas

Make sure you park your car somewhere that’s well-lit, in an area with good CCTV coverage. Off-street parking isn’t available to everyone, but if you can, leave your car overnight in a garage or secure private car park.

Don’t invite thieves into your car

Hide valuable items from view if they are in the vehicle, and try to keep the vehicle tidy inside. A cluttered car full of stuff might make a criminal curious as to what else might be in the motor. Better still, don’t leave valuables in a car for any length of time.

If the worst happens, ASM can help

Should you be unlucky enough to be a victim of car theft, and your vehicle is recovered, ASM Auto Recycling can help. We have a modern fleet of 25 multi-vehicle car transporters, offering the most efficient way to carry salvage, accident-damaged or stolen-recovered vehicles back to our depots. We can also help with your search for replacement parts in our used car parts store. Search by car registration, make and model.

index | earlier post