Here’s The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars For 2024, Is Yours On The List?

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1. Introduction
2. How Does Car Theft Affect Drivers
3. The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars Of 2024
4. Why Are Certain Cars Targeted
5. Broader Patterns
6. What You Can Do To Protect Your Car
7. Our Final Word

Introduction

Car theft may have dipped slightly, but between 2023 and 2024, there were still just under 13000 stolen in the UK, equating to one every four minutes. With thieves targeting both everyday runabouts and high-end cars, it can be hard to know whether you’re at risk, regardless of the make and model you drive.

In this guide, we’re looking at the UK’s most stolen vehicles, identifying patterns and giving you some crucial advice to keep your vehicle safe and protect yourself against the ever-present threat of theft.

First, though, let’s take a look at some of the basics of car theft.

How Does Car Theft Affect Drivers?

Aside from the emotional turmoil of having your car stolen, which, in some cases, can involve a break-in (especially if your vehicle is targeted for its keys), there could be some severe financial consequences from having your car stolen, too.

If your car is stolen but never recovered, making it a ‘total loss’ or write off, your insurance company will often pay the amount it’s worth at the time as a ‘final settlement figure’. The problem is, this doesn’t always cover the amount you owe.

Depreciation on cars often happens at a faster rate than your finance repayments, especially early on, which means you could owe more on finance than the car is worth; thus, the amount of your payout. That means, through no fault of your own, you could be liable for thousands of pounds to make up the difference between your insurance payout and your finance (which still has to be paid). All because you’re unfortunate enough to have been targeted by thieves.

It doesn’t stop at financed cars, though; even those who’ve bought outright could struggle to replace their vehicle like-for-like using their insurance payout, thanks to different levels of depreciation.

Gap Insurance can help. In simple terms, it makes up the difference between your settlement figure and the amount outstanding, so you’re not left out of pocket and footing the bill.

Read More: Interested in depreciation? We’ve answered: Why Do Cars Depreciate?

The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars Of 2024

1. Ford Fiesta | 4446 thefts

The kingpin of stolen cars. The Fiesta’s popularity, plus a healthy black-market for its parts, keeps it topping the list despite a 25.6% drop from 2023.

With the Fiesta now discontinued, expect it to maintain its status as a prime target for car thieves, at least in the near future.

2. Volkswagen Golf | 1727 thefts

A firm second with about a quarter of Fiesta numbers, but still in high demand, the VW is a victim of its own success. With so many on the road, it's a tempting target for thieves.

3. Ford Focus | 1700 thefts

Another popular Ford victim. Like the Fiesta, it’s common and parts are lucrative. With a set of alloys alone going for an eye-watering £2468 from new, thieves can cash in on illegal sales.

4. Toyota RAV4 | 1260 thefts

Toyota’s RAV4 enters the top 10 most stolen cars for the first time. This could be down to a growing parts market in mainland Europe and beyond, not to mention it’s known to be an easier car to target than most.

5. BMW 3 Series | 1207 thefts

The go-to premium saloon for organised car thieves, valued on the second‑hand and export markets.

6. Range Rover Evoque | 1079 thefts

Though theft numbers are down 27.5% from 2023, the Range Rover Evoque is still a lucrative target thanks to its high-end appeal.

7. Nissan Juke | 1027 thefts

The Nissan Juke saw a massive 61.5% increase from 2023, giving it a spot on the top 10 most stolen cars, with metal demand and keyless entry vulnerabilities likely to blame.

8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 1024 thefts

Prestige + parts value = high-risk. Even though incidents dropped nearly 43%, the C-Class still lurks high on the target list.

9. Range Rover Sport | 950 thefts

Although the Range Rover Sport remains a top target for thieves, incidents have dropped by 47% thanks to improved security on newer models.

10. Vauxhall Corsa | 870 thefts

As one of the UK’s best-selling hatchbacks, it remains a top choice for parts and quick thefts. Corsas seem to be targeted for parts too, with many drivers reporting missing bumpers, mirrors and exhausts.

Read More: Check Car Theft Statistics In Your Area.

Why Are Certain Cars Targeted?

• High Value In Parts: Cars that are easy to strip and cars with a scarcity of replacement parts are both high targets; one for the ‘fast cash’ and the other for the large profits.
• Weaker Security: Older Fords and keyless entry systems (such as the Nissan Juke) are easy targets for thieves.
• Export Demand: SUVs and prestige vehicles command a premium overseas, which is why they’re often top of the list for organised car thieves.

Broader Patterns

• Thefts Are Still High: Car thefts dropped 16% from 2023 to 2024, but 2024 still saw the third-highest total in a decade.
• Age Matters: Nearly 55% of stolen cars in 2024 were aged between 5 and 9 years old, a sweet spot for parts demand. If you’re in the market for a new car, this could be something to think about.

Read More: Looking For A New Car? Here’s Some Top Car Buying Mistakes To Avoid

What You Can Do to Protect Your Car

• Install Visible Security: Use steering-wheel locks and immobilisers for added security. If your car operates a keyless system, it’s worth investing in a Faraday pouch too for added peace of mind.
• Park Smart: Use well-lit, busy spots, ideally with CCTV to deter opportunists.
• Fit a GPS Tracker: GPS car trackers can increase your likelihood of recovering your car. However, you should keep in mind that you should always go through the authorities before attempting recovery.
• Stay Informed On Vulnerabilities: Especially for popular models and keyless-tech vehicles.

Our Final Word

No car is entirely “theft-proof,” but now you know which models are the highest risk, you can take practical steps to protect yours. Whether you're buying, insuring, or parking your car, you’ll know what to look out for and where to double down on security.

Remember, most theft is opportunistic, so if you’re concerned about your car (maybe it’s on our top 10 list), take some steps to reduce your risk, and you shouldn’t have to worry too much.

Keep your car safe: stay informed, stay alert, and always a step ahead of opportunist thieves.

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