The most stolen cars in the UK
With figures showing that a car is stolen in the UK every seven minutes, we reveal the models that are most popular with thieves...
The days when you could break into a car with a coat hanger might be long gone, but figures from the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show that there were still 74,769 cars stolen in the UK last year – one every seven minutes and a 33% increase on 2019. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 72% of stolen vehicles are never returned to their owners, too.
Unsurprisingly, the list of the most popular cars with thieves is dominated by a mix of prestige models and some of the UK's best sellers. But is your car among them? Here we reveal the top 10, starting at number 10 and working our way down to the most stolen car in the UK.
10. Nissan Qashqai
Number stolen 655
An all-new Nissan Qashqai went on sale earlier this year, but the previous version was such a hit that it remained the best-selling car of its kind even in its final full year on sale. This popularity makes it easy to understand why it's on the list.
Number stolen 678
The BMW 5 Series is our reigning Luxury Car of the Year because it combines superb ride comfort and refinement with sharp handling and surprisingly low running costs. Unfortunately, it's the first of two BMWs in the list that clearly attracts unwanted attention.
Read our full BMW 5 Series review >>
See how much you could save on a new BMW 5 Series >>
8. Mercedes E-Class
Number stolen 766
Usually, Mercedes would be delighted to see the E-Class finish higher in a list than its arch-rival, the 5 series, but this instance is no doubt an exception. Strengths of the car include a supple ride and generous standard spec, while the boot of the estate version is enormous.
Read our full Mercedes E-Class review >>
See how much you could save on a new Mercedes E-Class >>
7. Land Rover Discovery
Number stolen 900
The Land Rover Discovery is a huge seven-seater SUV that's awash with smart design touches that make life easier, including a cubby in the front that will swallow four iPads. Despite its presence here (or perhaps because of it), the latest examples are equipped with one of the most sophisticated engine immobiliser systems around.
Read our full Land Rover Discovery review >>
See how much you could save on a new Land Rover Discovery >>
6. Vauxhall Astra
Number stolen 1126
After decades among the UK's very biggest sellers, Vauxhall's mid-sized hatchback, the Astra, finally dropped out of the top 10 in 2020. However, there are still a vast number of them on Britain's roads, giving thieves plenty to target.
Number stolen 1435
It may be a prestige model, but the 3 Series regularly features near the pointy end of the UK sales charts, and with good reason: attributes include fun handling, strong, efficient engines and a smart, user-friendly interior. It's just a pity these things also seem to appeal to the unscrupulous.
Read our full BMW 3 Series review >>
See how much you could save on a new BMW 3 Series >>
4. Ford Focus
Number stolen 1587
Another popular model sits in fourth place; in fact, the Ford Focus was the fourth best-selling car in the UK in 2020. Interior quality is a bit disappointing, but the Focus is great to drive.
Read our full Ford Focus review >>
See how much you could save on a new Ford Focus >>
3. Volkswagen Golf
Number stolen 1975
The Volkswagen Golf finished one place ahead of the Focus in the 2020 sales charts, and is also one place ahead in this list. Like some other models already covered, it owes its presence to desirability as well as quantity.
Read our full Volkswagen Golf review >>
See how much you could save on a new Volkswagen Golf >>
2. Range Rover
Number stolen 2881
The second Land Rover to feature is the brand's flagship model: the luxurious and cosseting Range Rover. The incredibly well equipped Autobiography version is a particular target for thieves, many of whom steal to order for rapid export.
Read our full Range Rover review >>
See how much you could save on a new Range Rover >>
1. Ford Fiesta
Number stolen 3392
First place (if we can call it that) goes to the Ford Fiesta – a small car that's great to drive, frugal and smart inside. However, as good as it is, its position in this list probably has more to do with the fact it was the UK's best-selling car for many years; there are millions on UK roads today.
See how much you could save on a new Ford Fiesta >>
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