The UK’s most stolen cars revealed – is yours on the list?

In a surprising turn, the most stolen car model in the UK is no longer a Ford Fiesta – it’s a hybrid SUV.

New data from the DVLA, analysed by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover, shows the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV has claimed the top spot, overtaking the long-time favourite among car thieves, the Ford Fiesta Zetec.

Last year, 437 Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV models were stolen – up 28% from 2024. Another hybrid trim, the Toyota C-HR Excel, saw thefts jump even higher, surging 39%. Meanwhile, the Ford Fiesta Zetec recorded 425 thefts, slipping into second place.

Although Ford Fiesta variants took up seven of the top 10 spots on the list, all saw a drop compared with 2024, suggesting a shift in criminal focus, with hybrid SUVs increasingly in thieves’ sights.

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But why are hybrids being targeted?

Experts at Tempcover say that the rise of hybrid models such as the Toyota C-HR reflects a shift toward high-value vehicles. Here are four reasons why they catch the attention of some thieves.

1. Catalytic converters: Hybrids often contain more precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium than petrol or diesel cars. These can be sold quickly for hundreds of pounds, making a brief smash-and-grab extremely profitable.
2. Expensive parts: From batteries and control modules to sensors and infotainment systems, hybrids carry components that are highly sought after on the black market.
3. Resale value: Mid- to high-range hybrids have strong resale value, either as whole vehicles or for parts, attracting criminals who target both the car and its components.
4. Rising numbers: As more hybrids hit UK roads, they become more visible and accessible, increasing opportunities for theft.

Car theft trends in 2025

Car theft in the UK shows no sign of slowing. In 2025, a total of 54,145 vehicles were reported stolen – that’s an average of 148 cars every day, or roughly one every 10 minutes, according to the DVLA data. While the overall number is broadly in line with 2024’s figure of 53,955, the types of cars being targeted are changing to high-value hybrids.

“The fact that a Toyota hybrid has topped the list is a wake-up call for motorists, particularly as EV adoption in the UK accelerates,” said Jake Lambert, a temporary car insurance specialist at Tempcover. “Thieves are no longer just looking for volume cars: they are chasing value, technology, and parts that can be sold quickly.”

This rising trend is a clear warning for hybrid and electric car owners: it’s more important than ever to take simple security steps and stay one step ahead of clever thieves.

Here are the top 10 most stolen car variants of 2025 based on specific make, model, and trim reported to the DVLA between 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2025:

Why are some models stolen more than others?

Not all cars are equal in the eyes of thieves. Some models are far more tempting than others, and here’s why:

• Popular cars such as the Ford Fiesta are stolen more often simply because there are so many of them on the road. More cars means more targets.
• Premium brands such as BMWs, Mercedes, and Range Rovers are favourites because their components fetch good money, especially high-end electronics and catalytic converters, often found in hybrids.
• Older models or those without modern anti-theft tech (immobilisers, alarms, or tracking systems) are easier to steal.
• Newer cars with keyless entry can be vulnerable to relay attacks, where thieves boost your key fob’s signal to unlock and drive off with your car in seconds.

Tips to protect your car from theft

Whether your car is a high-risk model or not, it pays to be vigilant. Here are six tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim:

1. Think like a thief: Always park in well-lit, busy areas, preferably under CCTV or in secure car parks. Thieves tend to look for easy, low-risk targets.
2. Use physical deterrents: Being old-school can work. Steering wheel locks, pedal clamps, and wheel clamps can be effective, highly visible deterrents.
3. Invest in tracking tech: Modern GPS tracking systems make it easier to recover stolen cars and can even alert you if your car is being moved.
4. Block relay attacks: If you own a keyless car, store your key in a Faraday pouch or RFID blocker cases to block signals that could be used in a relay attack, which is a growing method among tech-savvy car thieves.
5. Install an immobiliser: Aftermarket engine immobilisers or kill switches can add another layer of protection, especially for older cars that lack factory-installed anti-theft systems.
6. Tactical parking: Park your car nose-in against a wall or garage door as this blocks access to the front bumper or wheel arches – areas thieves often target to access headlight wiring and hack into the vehicle’s computer system.

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