10 Most Stolen Cars In The UK 2023

Car theft continues to be a pressing issue in the UK, with many vehicles being targeted daily, and thieves use a variety of techniques to steal them. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to not only protect your car from potential theft but also to increase the likelihood of its recovery should it be stolen. However, this does not stop some cars from being hot targets for theft.

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Interestingly, certain vehicles tend to be more attractive to criminals than others. Here, we discuss the 10 most frequently stolen cars in the UK in 2023.

In recent findings based on data from the DVLA, certain car models from Land Rover, Ford, and Lexus emerged as the most frequently stolen in the UK over the past year. This data underwent detailed analysis by car insurance experts at Confused.com. Their objective was to identify the car models and brands most vulnerable to theft from March 2022 to March 2023.

The methodology involved taking the number of stolen cars per specific model or brand, dividing it by the total number of licensed cars for that same model or brand, and then multiplying the result by 100,000.

Top 10 Most Stolen Cars In UK

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Why So Many Land Rover Range Rovers?

The Land Rover Range Rover witnessed a significant (47%) surge in theft reports to the police from 2021 to 2022, a trend that extended into the initial months of 2023.

Such an uptick in theft incidents has posed challenges for Range Rover owners, especially in the London region, when it comes to insuring their cars. Skyrocketing insurance premiums and a dwindling number of firms willing to offer coverage are among the primary concerns. The dilemma with Range Rovers isn’t so much about their security measures but the huge demand both domestically and internationally. Thieves are aware of the lucrative market for these vehicles, making them invest in the required technology to steal them.

Why Ford Fiestas?

The number of stolen Ford Fiestas experienced a marked increase in 2022, with the trend persisting into 2023. DVLA data reveals that in 2022, there were 5,979 reported cases of Fiesta thefts, a significant rise from 3,909 cases in the previous year, 2021.

Furthermore, Ford has recently announced plans to cease the production of the Fiesta model in the coming years. Industry experts anticipate that this cessation will likely drive up the costs of Fiesta components, potentially leading to an escalated risk of theft in the future.

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Modern Techniques Thieves Use To Steal Cars

Thieves have adapted their methods to target modern cars, employing a range of sophisticated techniques to bypass advanced security systems. Here are some of the common techniques they use:

1. Relay Attack: Thieves use two devices to capture and relay signals from a car’s key fob. One thief stands near the car, while another stands close to the key (usually inside the owner’s home). The devices communicate with each other, tricking the car into thinking the key is nearby, allowing the thief to unlock and start the car.
2. Keyless Theft: Similar to relay attacks, this method targets cars with keyless entry systems. Thieves capture the signal from a key fob and then use that signal to unlock and start the vehicle.
3. OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) Hacking: Thieves plug a device into the car’s OBD port, which allows them to access the car’s computer system. From there, they can clone a key, deactivate the alarm, or even start the car.
4. Signal Jamming: A device is used to block the signal when a driver tries to lock their car remotely using a key fob. The car remains unlocked, allowing thieves to easily gain access.
5. Fishing: This older method involves using a slim rod or wire (often called a “slim jim”) to manipulate the internal lock mechanism of a car door.
6. Window Smashing: A straightforward and crude method where thieves simply break a window to access the inside of a vehicle.
7. Fake Key Programming: Thieves use sophisticated tools to reprogram a blank key fob, making it compatible with a specific car.
8. Towing: Thieves use a tow truck to physically remove a car from its location. This method is especially common for stealing high-end vehicles, as it bypasses many security features.
9. Direct Key Theft: This involves stealing the keys from the owner’s property, often through burglary or pickpocketing.
10. VIN Cloning: Thieves copy the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a legally-owned car and then use that VIN for a stolen car, making the stolen vehicle appear legitimate.

To counteract these techniques, car owners are advised to take preventive measures such as using steering wheel locks, ensuring that car keys are kept away from windows and doors, and considering the use of signal-blocking pouches for key fobs.

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