Is your area one of the UK’s stolen car hotspots?
June 30, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Car theft is soaring in these UK hotspots. Find out which areas top the list in a new study.
A new study shows the parts of the UK where car theft is alarmingly high – with the West Midlands topping the list for the most stolen vehicles last year.
More than 34,000 stolen cars were seized from UK roads in 2024, according to data gathered by National Scrap Car through Freedom of Information requests to UK police forces.
The West Midlands emerged as the country’s biggest hotspot, with 5,413 vehicles reported stolen and recovered by police. Greater Manchester came in second with 3,757, followed by South Yorkshire with 2,909.
| Rank | City | Stolen vehicles | Percentage of police seized vehicles | Total seized vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Midlands Police | 5,413 | 22.37% | 24,197 |
| 2 | Greater Manchester Police | 3,757 | 18.03% | 20,832 |
| 3 | South Yorkshire Police | 2,909 | 25.64% | 11,346 |
| 4 | West Yorkshire Police | 2,788 | 13.42% | 20,770 |
| 5 | Essex Police | 2,495 | 22.07% | 11,304 |
| 6 | Beds, Herts, Cambs Police | 2,219 | 13.19% | 16,822 |
| 7 | Kent Police | 1,690 | 19.46% | 8,684 |
| 8 | Staffordshire Police | 1,241 | 15.03% | 8,259 |
| 9 | Northamptonshire Police | 1,229 | 10.11% | 12,152 |
| 10 | South Wales Police | 1,206 | 13.38% | 9,015 |
In the West Midlands, a staggering 22% of all vehicles seized by police were recorded as stolen – the highest percentage anywhere in the UK, according to the report. For context, the region has a general crime rate of 40.8 offences per 1,000 people, over 17% higher than the national average.
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Theft isn’t the only reason cars are taken off the road
Across the UK, the top reason for vehicles being seized was actually people driving without insurance or a valid licence. That’s a big no-no under the Road Traffic Act 1988 – and over 84,000 cars nationwide were impounded last year for exactly that. Greater Manchester saw the most, with more than 12,000 vehicles taken off the road for insurance or licence issues.
Car crashes were another major reason. More than 53,000 cars were seized after accidents, especially serious or fatal ones. The combined police forces of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire recorded the highest number in this category, with 5,109 cars taken in.
So, what actually happens to all these seized cars?
It varies. Some are reunited with their owners. Others, especially if they’re badly damaged or never claimed, end up being auctioned off or scrapped.
“We want drivers to understand what’s going on out there,” said car expert Dorry Potter. “And more importantly, we want people to make sure their vehicles are legal, safe, and properly insured.”
Don’t let your car become a statistic
This study serves as a timely reminder to ensure you have valid insurance and a driving licence. Separate data from the DVLA also revealed the cars most likely to be stolen, with a staggering 4,719 Ford Fiestas reported stolen last year.
What’s more, if you own an Abarth or a Lexus, your odds of theft are 1 in 116 and 1 in 39 respectively – making them among the most at-risk cars to own, according to the data.
So, whether your car is a car risk model or not, it pays to be vigilant. Don’t forget to:
- Always park in well-lit areas or secure car parks.
- Use physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks.
- Invest in modern GPS tracking systems to pop into your car.
- Store your key in a Faraday pouch or RFID blocker cases if you own a keyless car.
- Install an engine immobiliser.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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