UK’s Most Stolen Cars Revealed in New Data
The Ford Fiesta, a beloved choice among drivers, has been flagged as a prime target for thieves, according to recently released data. With approximately 1.5 million Ford Fiestas traversing the UK roads, it has also become the most sought-after car by criminals. The findings stem from an analysis conducted by experts at Confused.com, examining theft incidents since January 2018. The data sheds light on specific car models and regions facing a significantly elevated theft risk, based on customers lodging claims for “theft of car” on their insurance within this timeframe.
In total, there have been 10,346 reported thefts of Ford Fiesta vehicles since January 2018, as per claims made through Confused.com. This translates to an average of around 2,000 thefts each year, positioning it as the most targeted car in the UK. Following suit, the Volkswagen Golf emerges with a total of 9,526 thefts over the same period, while the BMW 3 Series secures the third spot with 9,148 theft incidents.
However, the prevalence of car thefts can vary depending on the region within the UK. For instance, in London, the BMW X6 tops the charts as the most stolen car. In Birmingham, on the other hand, the Ford Fiesta reigns supreme as the most frequently stolen vehicle over the past five years. Notable UK cities with high car theft rates include London (Inner), Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Romford, Ilford, Dudley, Coventry, Walsall, and Chelmsford.
In response to the alarming number of car theft incidents, Confused.com has launched a new tool designed to gauge the likelihood of a car being stolen based on its make, model, and variant. By inputting their car details into the tool, users can receive an estimate of its theft risk, aiding them in making informed decisions regarding their vehicle purchases.
The report reveals that more than 250,000 car thefts have been recorded since January 2018. Alarmingly, nearly 1 in 5 (18%) UK drivers have encountered car theft incidents in the past, amounting to 7,608,568 motorists. The study highlights that thieves employ a range of techniques to perpetrate car theft, including hot-wiring (23%), window smashing (22%), and even breaking into homes (10%) to steal car keys.
Despite the distressing impact of car thefts, there is some solace for victims, with almost 9 in 10 (87%) reporting the recovery of their stolen cars. The role of technology in aiding recoveries is evident, as a notable 14% had security footage capturing the theft, and 12% utilised tracking devices fitted on their cars.
As the winter season approaches and the clocks are set to change, drivers are advised to implement car theft prevention measures. Regrettably, 28% of drivers admit to not employing any additional security for their vehicles. Among those who do, popular measures include steering locks (19%), GPS trackers (17%), parking in garages (17%), and using faraday pouches for car keys (12%).
Car theft not only inflicts emotional distress but also financial burdens on victims. While the majority of stolen cars are recovered, 87% of them are returned damaged. On average, drivers have had to shell out £364 for repairs and an additional £671 to bridge the cost gap for a new car.
In light of the significant impact of car theft incidents, drivers are urged to consider bolstering the security of their vehicles. Rhydian Jones, a motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, emphasised the importance of safeguarding cars from thieves and outlined various preventive measures, such as ensuring the car is locked, concealing valuables, investing in security devices, and installing tracking systems.
Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Confused.com involved 2,000 UK drivers and was carried out from September 19 to 24, 2024. Theft data was derived from Confused.com car insurance quotes from January 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Customers declaring theft claims within the past five years between January 1, 2018, and July 31, 2024, formed the basis of the theft data analysis.
As the issue of car theft continues to plague drivers, the need for heightened vigilance and security measures has never been more paramount to safeguard against potential losses and ensure peace of mind on the roads.