Most Stolen Cars in the UK 2025 – Top 10 Models and Theft Figures

Britain’s Most Stolen Cars in 2025 - Ford Fiesta Still Top Target

Following on from our recent article on vehicle theft in the UK, new data has revealed the first six months of 2025 have seen a significant shift in UK car theft figures, with overall thefts dropping sharply compared to recent years.

Between 1 January and 1 July, DVLA records show 23,189 cars reported stolen, giving an annualised pro-rata estimate of 46,378 if current rates persist. That figure is well down from 61,343 in 2024 and more than 104,000 in 2023.  

But while fewer vehicles are disappearing from driveways and car parks, specific models remain hot targets for thieves. According to data obtained by The Mirror through a Freedom of Information request, and reported by The Sun, the Ford Fiesta dominates the list of Britain’s most stolen individual car models so far this year.

Top 10 Most Stolen Car Models (Jan–July 2025)

Why the Ford Fiesta Tops the List

Ford’s ever-popular Fiesta stopped production in 2023, but years of strong sales mean there are still hundreds of thousands on the road.

The Zetec in particular is attractive to buyers, and unfortunately, to thieves too. This is thanks to its mix of affordable pricing and decent equipment, including alloy wheels, heated windscreens, corner-illuminating fog lights, and a simple SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

At the time of publishing, 9,630 used Fiestas are listed on Auto Trader at prices up to £22,999. These cars are plentiful, easy to sell on, and often owned by younger or first-time drivers who may not have the latest aftermarket security devices.

Ford argues the Fiesta is a “victim of its own success” as the high theft count is partly a reflection of just how many are out there.  

They have a good point. The Fiesta has been among the best-selling cars in the UK for many years.  

Security Upgrades Making a Difference

Manufacturers have been fighting back against vehicle crime:

• Land Rover has spent £17 million upgrading keyless entry systems and contributed £1 million to police operations. The Range Rover Sport HSE, once a favourite target, now sits at 15th in the theft rankings with 79 cases so far this year.
• Toyota has introduced immobilisers, GPS tracking, key-blocking pouches, and other protective tech to make theft more difficult.

The efforts made by Land Rover, for example, have seen thefts of the Range Rover Evoque go down by 77%. This has seen the model move out of the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK.

What Owners Can Do to Protect Their Cars

If your car is on this list, or even just in high demand on the used market, you might want to add extra security. Measures include:

• Using a visible steering-wheel lock
• Parking in well-lit or monitored areas
• Investing in an aftermarket immobiliser or tracker
• Keeping keyless entry fobs in a signal-blocking pouch*

Bottom line: While overall theft numbers are falling, certain models remain prime targets because they are common, desirable, and relatively easy to resell. If you own one of the cars above, it’s worth taking extra precautions.

However, no car is immune to theft. The case for adding GAP Insurance to your insurance cover can make perfect sense, especially at the premium prices available at GAPinsurance123.

Written by Mark Griffiths, published 15/8/25

*On a personal note, I have been using the signal-blocking pouches (also known as a Faraday pouch) for several years. They are a cost-effective addition to your car security armoury, and certainly worth a look for anyone with a keyless entry system.

Sources

The Sun

The Telegraph