Newly released data has identified the vehicles most frequently stolen from British drivers, highlighting a persistent national crime problem. The list, dominated by a once-ubiquitous family favourite, reveals two distinct patterns used by criminals targeting motors on UK roads.
The Top Ten Most Targeted Vehicles
Motoring firm cinch obtained the figures through Freedom of Information requests to the DVLA, covering the period from 2022 to 2025. The resulting ranking names the models thieves are most likely to steal.
The Ford Fiesta has retained its unenviable title as Britain's most stolen car. As the biggest-selling car in UK history, its popularity with owners is matched by its appeal to criminals. The cessation of new Fiesta production has only increased demand for its parts on the black market, pushing their value up and making existing models a prime target.
The full top ten list of the UK's most stolen cars is:
- Ford Fiesta
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Toyota Hilux
- Nissan Navara
- Toyota C-HR
- Ford Ranger
- Ford EcoSport
- Nissan Juke
- Land Rover Discovery
- Toyota RAV4
Two Distinct Criminal Strategies
The list reveals two clear motives behind the thefts. High-volume models like the Fiesta are often stripped for parts, which are then sold illicitly. In contrast, the presence of premium and robust vehicles points to a different criminal enterprise.
Luxury SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and sturdy pick-up trucks such as the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, and Ford Ranger are frequently targeted for export. These vehicles command high prices in overseas markets, making them lucrative targets for organised crime groups.
A Relentless National Issue
Ben Welham, a motoring expert at cinch, commented on the scale of the issue. "These figures show that vehicle theft is a relentless problem affecting tens of thousands of drivers every year," he said. "While we haven’t seen dramatic increases year-on-year, the scale of the issue remains deeply concerning for motorists across the country."
Welham added that the Fiesta's position was predictable. "It's little surprise that the UK's best-selling car of all time, the Ford Fiesta, is also its most stolen. With a consistent demand for parts on the black market and the sheer number of models parked on Britain's streets, the Fiesta is likely to remain top of the list for a while yet."
Geographically, the data shows that the West Midlands recorded the second-highest number of thefts after London, with nearly 54,000 vehicles stolen in the last three years, a figure attributed largely to its dense population.
