Fresh figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have exposed the vehicles most frequently targeted by criminals across the United Kingdom. The data, meticulously analysed by What Car?, paints a detailed picture of automotive theft trends, revealing that while overall numbers have declined, certain models—particularly hybrid vehicles and luxury SUVs—are experiencing alarming surges in criminal interest.
The Unwanted League Table
Topping this undesirable ranking for another year is the Ford Fiesta, with a staggering 3,511 units reported stolen in 2025. This figure more than doubles the thefts of the second-placed Volkswagen Golf, which recorded 1,625 incidents, and comfortably exceeds the 1,474 thefts of the third-placed Ford Focus. In total, 54,830 vehicles were reported stolen last year, equating to one car being taken every ten minutes, or approximately 150 each day.
While the overall volume of thefts has dipped by a notable 11% compared to previous years, the landscape is shifting. Claire Evans, consumer editor at What Car?, emphasised the ongoing severity: "Annual car theft figures continue to be very high, so owners need to do all they can to keep them safe. Our data shows that small, inexpensive models such as the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Corsa are under threat, so it's vital to take measures to protect all cars."
Sharp Rises for Hybrids and SUVs
The data highlights a significant trend: hybrid Toyotas and luxury SUVs are climbing the theft charts rapidly. Evans advised practical countermeasures: "Simple measures, like using a steering lock or keeping your car keys in a Faraday pouch, will lessen the chances of it being stolen." A Faraday pouch blocks electronic signals, preventing thieves from capturing the coded unlocking signals from key fobs.
Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10
1. Ford Fiesta - 3,511 thefts
Analysis indicates that 86% of stolen Fiestas were the Mk6 model (produced between 2008 and 2017), suggesting older examples are heavily targeted for their parts.
2. Volkswagen Golf – 1,625 thefts
Half of all stolen Golfs were Mk7 models (2013–2019), underscoring the continued appeal of mainstream family hatchbacks to thieves.
3. Ford Focus – 1,474 thefts
The third-generation Focus (2011–2018) accounts for more than half of these thefts.
4. Toyota RAV4 – 1,348 thefts
A major climber in the rankings. A striking 95% of stolen RAV4s were the latest-generation model (2019–2025).
5. BMW 3 Series – 1,319 thefts
The 2013–2018 generation is stolen most often, though thefts are spread across various versions.
6. Nissan Juke – 1,200 thefts
Some 88% of stolen Jukes were first-generation models (2010–2019).
7. Toyota C-HR – 967 thefts
Not featured in the top 20 last year, the C-HR now ranks seventh, with first-generation models (2016–2023) dominating the thefts.
8. Lexus NX – 951 thefts
The biggest riser among the top ten, with thefts surging by a remarkable 40%.
9. Range Rover Evoque – 895 thefts
Older models from 2011–2019 account for the bulk of these cases.
10. Vauxhall Corsa – 874 thefts
The most targeted is the third-generation 'Corsa D' (2006–2014).
The Complete Top 20 List
The ranking continues with the following models, completing the league of the twenty most stolen cars in Britain:
- Land Rover Discovery Sport – 813 thefts
- Ford Kuga – 799 thefts
- Vauxhall Astra – 758 thefts
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 826 thefts
- BMW 1 Series – 754 thefts
- Range Rover Sport – 700 thefts
- Nissan Qashqai – 695 thefts
- Audi A3 – 658 thefts
- Kia Sportage – 653 thefts
- Toyota Prius – 644 thefts
Brands Most Targeted by Thieves
The data also aggregates thefts by manufacturer, revealing which brands suffer the highest overall volume of losses:
- Ford – 7,677 vehicles stolen
- BMW – 5,489 vehicles stolen
- Toyota – 4,518 vehicles stolen
- Mercedes-Benz – 3,992 vehicles stolen
- Land Rover – 3,690 vehicles stolen
- Audi – 3,650 vehicles stolen
- Volkswagen – 3,426 vehicles stolen
- Vauxhall – 2,764 vehicles stolen
- Nissan – 2,611 vehicles stolen
- Lexus – 2,031 vehicles stolen
The source for all statistics is DVLA data, as analysed by What Car?. This comprehensive report serves as a crucial reminder for vehicle owners across the UK to remain vigilant and employ effective security measures to protect their assets from the evolving tactics of car thieves.
