Most Stolen Cars UK 2025: Top 10 Models, Brands, and What Drivers Can Do

Car theft remains a serious problem across Britain, and 2025 has already shown that certain vehicles are targeted far more than others. Whether you’re buying a used car, renewing your insurance, or just curious, knowing the most stolen cars UK 2025 can help you make smarter choices. In this guide, we’ll break down the latest UK theft rankings by model and brand, explain why some cars are stolen more often, and share practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of your car being stolen.

Most Stolen Cars UK 2025 (Quick Summary)

If you’re in a hurry, here’s the headline:

• Ford Fiesta is the most stolen car in the UK in 2025
• The next most stolen models include Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Toyota RAV4
• Ford, BMW, and Toyota are the most stolen brands overall

The reason is not always that these cars are “easy to steal.” Often, it’s because they’re extremely common, have high resale value, or are in demand for parts.

Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in the UK (2025)

Below are the most stolen car models in the UK in 2025, based on DVLA theft data analysis published in 2025.

1	Ford Fiesta	3,511
2	Volkswagen Golf	1,604
3	Ford Focus	1,456
4	Toyota RAV4	1,328
5	Nissan Juke	1,191
6	Land Rover Discovery	1,160
7	BMW 3 Series	1,131
8	Toyota C-HR	962
9	Lexus NX	946
10	Vauxhall Corsa	880

You’ll notice a mix of super common hatchbacks (Fiesta, Golf, Focus, Corsa) and high-value SUVs (RAV4, Discovery, Lexus NX).

That combination is exactly what thieves want: vehicles that are either easy to resell, easy to strip for parts, or profitable to export.

Most Stolen Car Brands UK 2025

Car theft data also shows which manufacturers are most targeted overall. This is useful if you’re choosing between brands.

Here are the top 10 most stolen brands in the UK in 2025:

1	Ford	8,362
2	BMW	6,176
3	Toyota	5,475
4	Land Rover	3,939
5	Mercedes-Benz	3,856
6	Nissan	3,671
7	Volkswagen	3,661
8	Audi	3,615
9	Vauxhall	2,755
10	Lexus	2,017

This doesn’t necessarily mean those brands have poor security. It often means they have high popularity, high part demand, and high resale value.

Why These Are the Most Stolen Cars in the UK (2025)

There are a few consistent reasons why certain models appear on the UK’s most stolen list every year.

They’re extremely common on UK roads

Cars like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Ford Focus are some of the most popular vehicles in the UK. When millions are on the road, even a “normal” theft rate can create a huge theft count.

That’s why common hatchbacks dominate the list.

Parts are valuable and easy to sell

Some vehicles are stolen specifically for dismantling. This is known as “chop shop” theft.

Common targets for parts include:

• headlights
• bumpers and body panels
• wheels and tyres
• catalytic converters (especially older cars)
• infotainment units
• mirrors

A stolen car can be worth more in parts than as a whole.

SUVs are in demand for export

SUVs and other premium vehicles are often stolen for export. Cars like the Toyota RAV4, Land Rover Discovery, and Lexus NX are frequently linked to organised crime groups due to their high resale value overseas.

Keyless theft methods are still being used

Keyless entry is convenient for owners, but it has also created a major theft risk. Thieves may use:

• relay attacks
• key cloning
• signal boosting devices

Many modern vehicles are secure, but criminals adapt quickly and target models with known vulnerabilities.

Are Cars Being Stolen More or Less in 2025?

One important takeaway from the 2025 data is that overall theft numbers appear to be declining compared to 2024.

This is good news — but it doesn’t mean the problem is solved.

Even with a drop in total thefts, certain models remain high-risk because they’re consistently targeted by criminals.

Is the Ford Fiesta Still the Most Stolen Car in the UK?

Yes. The Ford Fiesta continues to dominate theft rankings in 2025.

There are a few reasons for this:

• It’s one of the most common cars in the UK
• There’s strong demand for Fiesta parts
• It’s popular among younger drivers (often parked on streets or shared driveways)
• Many older Fiesta models lack the latest security upgrades

The Fiesta’s popularity is exactly what makes it attractive to thieves.

Most Stolen SUVs UK 2025

If you specifically care about SUVs, here are the biggest SUV theft targets in 2025:

• Toyota RAV4
• Nissan Juke
• Land Rover Discovery
• Toyota C-HR
• Lexus NX

SUVs are often stolen for export or resale because they command high prices and are in demand internationally.

What UK Car Thieves Are Doing in 2025 (Common Methods)

Car theft in the UK has changed a lot. Gone are the days when most thefts were simple break-ins and hotwiring.

Here are the most common modern theft methods:

Relay theft (keyless cars)

Two thieves work together:

• One stands near your house and captures the key fob signal.
• The other stands by your car and uses the boosted signal to unlock and start it.

Key cloning

Thieves use electronic devices to copy the key’s signal or code. This is especially dangerous because the car can be stolen without breaking windows or leaving obvious signs.

OBD port attacks

Some thieves gain access to the car and connect to the OBD diagnostic port to program a new key.

Physical theft and burglary

In some cases, criminals steal the keys directly by breaking into homes, especially in areas where premium vehicles are parked.

How to Protect Your Car (Best Anti-Theft Tips for 2025)

Even if your car is on the list of the most stolen cars in the UK in 2025, you can significantly reduce the risk.

Here are the most effective security upgrades:

Use a steering wheel lock

It’s old-school, but it works. A visible steering lock is often enough to deter thieves from moving on to an easier target.

Use a Faraday pouch for keyless keys

If your car has keyless entry, a Faraday pouch blocks the signal and prevents relay theft.

Park smart

This sounds basic, but it matters:

• Park in well-lit areas
• Use driveways when possible
• Avoid isolated streets
• If you have CCTV, park in view of it

Fit a tracker

Trackers increase the chance of recovery and may reduce insurance costs.

Use a driveway security post or bollard

This is especially useful for SUVs and high-value cars. It physically blocks the car from being driven away.

Consider a ghost immobiliser

Modern immobilisers (including “ghost” systems) can stop thieves even if they manage to clone the key.

Should You Avoid Buying the Most Stolen Cars?

Not necessarily.

It’s easy to panic when you see your car listed in the UK’s most stolen cars of 2025 — but you should interpret the data carefully.

A car can be “most stolen” for three reasons:

1. It’s common
2. It’s valuable
3. It’s easy to resell or strip

That doesn’t automatically mean it’s insecure.

If you love a model like the Golf, Fiesta, or Focus, the smarter move is to invest in security rather than avoiding the car completely.

Insurance Impact: Do the Most Stolen Cars Cost More to Insure?

Often, yes.

Insurers look at:

• theft risk in your area
• vehicle model theft frequency
• whether the car has keyless entry
• whether the car has a tracker
• where it’s parked overnight

If your car is a common theft target (like the Fiesta or RAV4), you may see higher premiums — especially if you live in a high-theft postcode.

FAQ: Most Stolen Cars UK 2025

Final Thoughts: Most Stolen Cars UK 2025

Car theft in the UK is still a serious issue in 2025, and the same familiar names keep appearing in the rankings. The Ford Fiesta remains the UK’s most stolen car, while popular hatchbacks like the Golf, Focus, and Corsa continue to be targeted. Meanwhile, high-value SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Land Rover Discovery, and Lexus NX are attractive to organised crime groups.

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