Newly released figures have exposed a sharp rise in vehicle crime across England and Wales, with more than 80,000 thefts recorded in the first nine months of 2025 alone.
Alarming Rise in Vehicle Crime
The data, obtained by Co-op Insurance, shows a vehicle was stolen once every five minutes between January and September. This marks an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, signalling a growing national crisis.
Geographically, the problem is most acute in London. The Metropolitan Police area recorded a staggering 24,211 vehicle thefts during the nine-month window. The West Midlands followed with over 13,000 incidents, a figure that surpasses regions with larger populations like the North West and Yorkshire.
Wales experienced one of the most dramatic surges, with 3,729 vehicles reported stolen. This represents a shocking 70 per cent year-on-year increase for the region.
The Most Targeted Vehicles of 2025
Information from the DVLA, secured via a Freedom of Information request, pinpoints the specific makes and models thieves are targeting most frequently. The top three remained unchanged from 2024.
The Yamaha Nmax 125 motorbike, Ford Transit 350 van, and Toyota Hilux Invincible were the most commonly stolen vehicles in both years. The list for 2025 shows a notable shift, with the Honda WW 125-A motorbike climbing to fourth place, displacing the Mercedes Sprinter 313 van.
The full top ten most stolen vehicles in 2025 are:
- Yamaha GPD125-A NMAX 125 ABS (Motorbike)
- Ford Transit 350 (Van)
- Toyota Hilux Invincib X D-4D 4WD DCB A (Car)
- Honda WW 125-A (Motorbike)
- Nissan Navara Tekna DCI AUTO (Car)
- Ford Fiesta Zetec (Car)
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314CDI (Van)
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI (Van)
- Ford Transit 350 Leader ECOBLUE (Van)
- Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT (Car)
Expert Advice to Deter Thieves
Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance, emphasised the urgency for drivers to take action. “Vehicles are an essential part of everyday life, so it’s crucial that they are kept safe and secure,” he stated. “Amid the darker nights, it’s vital that drivers take precautions.”
Co-op Insurance has issued a series of recommendations to help keep your vehicle safe this winter:
At Home: Park on driveways or in garages, as close to your house as possible. Positioning your car in line with a large window can act as a deterrent.
In a Car Park: Park close to other vehicles and consider turning your wheels towards them or towards the kerb to complicate a quick getaway.
On the Road: Seek out well-lit areas under street lamps. If parking near a café, try to leave it within view of a window.
Hide Valuables: Never leave bags, coats, or items like sat navs and phones on display. Remove any paperwork containing your name and address.
Secure Your Keys: Avoid leaving keys near doors or windows. For vehicles with keyless entry, invest in a ‘Faraday pouch’ to block the radio signal and prevent relay theft.
Show Visible Security: Consider using a steering lock and warning stickers. Installing a tracker can significantly aid police in recovering your vehicle if it is stolen.
