Tens of thousands of vehicles were stolen in the last 12 months, with data showing which car brands and models were the most targeted.
Vehicle theft remained a significant concern in 2024, with 61,343 vehicles reported stolen across the UK, according to DVLA figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request.
Whilst this marks a six per cent reduction from the previous year, it stands as the third highest figure in the past decade.
The numbers reveal that thieves took 168 cars every day throughout 2024. This equates to seven vehicles stolen every hour, or one car taken every 8.5 minutes.
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The Ford Fiesta was the most stolen vehicle of 2024
GETTY/FORD
The 2024 figures are more than double the number of vehicles stolen in 2015, highlighting the persistent nature of vehicle crime in recent years.
According to What Car?, the Ford Fiesta emerged as the most frequently stolen vehicle in 2024, reflecting its status as a prime target for thieves.
The popular hatchback, which ceased production in 2023, had previously dominated UK car sales for over a decade with 4.8 million registrations.
With approximately 1.5 million Fiestas currently on British roads, the model's widespread presence has made it particularly attractive to criminals.
The number of Range Rover Sport models stolen in 2024 dropped dramatically compared to previous years
LAND ROVER
The high demand for secondhand Fiesta parts has contributed significantly to its appeal among thieves, much to the annoyance of motorists.
The top 10 most stolen vehicles list features a combination of both prestigious models and Britain's bestselling cars.
Despite this, eight out of the top 10 most stolen vehicles showed a decrease in theft rates during 2024, with Land Rover models demonstrating particularly significant improvements in security.
The Range Rover Sport saw thefts plummet by 47 per cent compared to the previous year, while Range Rover Evoque theft rates dropped by 27 per cent.
Plug-in hybrid models like the Mitsubishi Outlander were targeted by thieves
MITSUBISHI
Jaguar Land Rover introduced new anti-theft measures to protect motorists, including bespoke car insurance premiums for Range Rover, Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Discovery models.
However, some vehicles faced increased targeting by criminals, with the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Juke appearing in the top 10 most stolen list for the first time.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles have become increasingly targeted by thieves. The Mitsubishi Outlander ranked as the 23rd most stolen vehicle, with 606 units taken, predominantly plug-in hybrid versions.
In contrast, luxury and high-performance vehicles proved less appealing to criminals. Only three Ferraris were stolen throughout 2024, while 12 Rolls-Royce models were impacted and 38 Maserati thefts were reported.
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The data found that luxury vehicles like Maserati were not targeted as often
MASERATI
Most stolen cars in 2024
- Ford Fiesta - 4,446
- Volkswagen Golf - 1,731
- Ford Focus - 1,700
- BMW 3 Series - 1,371
- Toyota RAV4 - 1,260
- Mercedes C-Class - 1,123
- Range Rover Evoque - 1,087
- Nissan Juke - 1,027
- Vauxhall Corsa - 870
- Range Rover Sport - 867
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