A new list has revealed the UK’s most stolen cars, according to data analysed by Tempcover and sourced from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Between January 1 and June 30 of this year, a total of 25,050 vehicles were reported stolen, equating to 138 cars stolen per day, or one every 10 minutes and 24 seconds.
The figures also reveal a shift in theft patterns, with an increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles now being targeted by criminals.
5 tips from RAC to stop your car being stolen
The RAC has practical advice for drivers to help reduce the risk of car theft in light of these ongoing trends.
Don’t leave belongings on display
The RAC advises drivers to remove all belongings from their vehicles, regardless of value.
Even a coat, bag, or small change left in view could encourage a break-in and result in costly damage.
It adds that if you have a parcel shelf or load cover in the boot, it might be best to open or remove it, which will show would-be car thieves that there’s nothing to steal.
Use visible locks
Old-fashioned security devices are making a comeback.
The RAC recommends using locks on the steering wheel, pedals, or gearstick as a visible deterrent.
Its notes that many thieves are opportunistic, and they might pass on a car they perceive to be too much hassle.
Upgrade your car’s security
While most modern vehicles are fitted with immobilisers, adding a Thatcham-approved alarm system can further reduce the risk of theft and may even lower your insurance premium.
Tracking devices won’t stop a theft but can improve the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle.
Never leave your car running unattended
As we head into winter, leaving your car running, even briefly, increases the risk of theft.
Take care when de-icing the car, as an opportunistic thief could steal the vehicle in a couple of seconds.
The same is true when popping into a shop, dropping the children at the school gate, or meeting somebody at the station.
Switch off the engine and lock the doors.
Store your keys securely
As vehicles have become more secure, thieves are increasingly targeting car keys directly.
The RAC warns against leaving keys in easily accessible areas such as porches or hallways, as criminals have been known to use tools to extract keys through letterboxes.
However, they advise against hiding keys in bedrooms or upstairs.
If a thief is determined to steal the car, it is safer to let them take it rather than put yourself or your family at risk.
Storing keys in a metal lock box can also help prevent relay attacks, which are commonly used to target vehicles with keyless entry systems.
What are the most stolen car models in the UK?
Tempcover’s analysis found that the top 10 most stolen models accounted for 1,309 thefts.
The Nissan Juke Tekna CVT, a petrol crossover, topped the list with 197 thefts in the first half of the year – a 19% rise from 165 in 2025.
The Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT, which led the rankings last year, fell to second place with 160 thefts.
Ford Fiesta variants continue to drop in the rankings, reflecting the model’s discontinuation in 2023.
The highest-ranked Fiesta, the Titanium Turbo, placed third with 140 thefts.
The full list of the 10 most stolen car models is:
The data highlights a shift towards popular crossovers and zero-emission vehicles.
The Ford Fiesta, once a top target, has seen thefts decline by 35.5% year-on-year, from 1,177 to 759.
Electric vehicles are also being targeted more frequently.
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The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate EV was joint sixth with 115 thefts, while other EVs in the top 20 included the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium EV (89 thefts), Kia Niro 2 EV (88), and Kia Niro 4 EV (76).
As vehicle technology evolves, so too do the methods and targets of car thieves, making vigilance and updated security measures more important than ever.
Do you do anything in particular to prevent your car from being stolen? Let us know in the comments.
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