A former professional car thief has issued a stark warning to UK drivers, naming the everyday models that are most frequently targeted by criminals. The insider information shatters the common misconception that luxury vehicles are the primary goal.
The Surprising Targets: Everyday Family Cars
Speaking under the pseudonym Michael to ARF Investigations, the reformed thief explained that high-end models like Range Rovers are stolen, but they are not the top choice for many criminals. Instead, the most sought-after vehicles are common family hatchbacks.
"Ford Fiestas and Volkswagen Golfs were at the top of the list, Vauxhall Corsas too," Michael revealed. "I know Range Rover Evoques are popular, but they were never my thing." This insight confirms official data that has long shown the Ford Fiesta as Britain's most stolen car.
Why Are These Models So Vulnerable?
According to the ex-thief, the reasons are twofold: popularity and parts. Models like the Fiesta are targeted due to their sheer numbers on UK roads, making them inconspicuous. Furthermore, with the production of new Fiestas ending, there is now increased demand for second-hand parts, fuelling a black market.
"Most cars are taken for parts," Michael stated. "If I could take a car, strip the value out and move them on the same night, then that was money for me. The engine might have gone to a workshop while other parts went online, it was fast and low risk."
How Thieves Pick Their Next Target
Michael also detailed the simple signs that make a car an attractive target. Surprisingly, it often comes down to the owner's habits visible from the outside.
"If the inside was messy, it told me everything I needed to know about the owner," he explained. "People who would leave a mess with all their paperwork or other items in their car wouldn't think about security. They wouldn't have signal pouches or immobilisers, and that made my job easy."
This serves as a crucial reminder for drivers to remove all valuables and clutter from view and to invest in additional security measures like steering locks, approved immobilisers, and Faraday pouches for keyless entry fobs.
