Car theft in the UK – a growing concern
Despite a slight decline in recent figures, car theft remains a serious issue across the UK. In 2024 alone, more than 61,000 vehicles were stolen – roughly 168 thefts per day. While this is around 6% fewer than the previous year, the overall trend is still alarming, especially when compared to numbers from a decade ago.
London remains the most affected area, with over 25% of thefts happening in the capital. Organised criminal networks use increasingly advanced tactics – from relay attacks to key signal jammers – allowing them to steal vehicles within seconds, often without leaving a trace. Many of these stolen vehicles are either stripped for parts or shipped overseas within days.
The UK’s Most Stolen Cars in 2024–2025
According to DVLA and Fleet News data, these are the most frequently stolen car models in the UK:
| Rank |
Model |
Thefts Reported |
| 1 |
Ford Fiesta |
4,446 |
| 2 |
Volkswagen Golf |
1,731 |
| 3 |
Ford Focus |
1,700 |
| 4 |
BMW 3 Series |
~1,370 |
| 5 |
Toyota RAV4 |
~1,260 |
| 6 |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
~1,123 |
| 7 |
Range Rover Evoque |
~1,087 |
| 8 |
Nissan Juke |
~1,027 |
| 9 |
Vauxhall Corsa |
~870 |
| 10 |
Range Rover Sport |
~867 |
It’s not just prestige vehicles at risk. While premium models like Range Rovers and BMWs are often targeted by professional gangs, everyday cars like the Fiesta and Focus continue to top the list due to their popularity and availability. Relay attacks – which exploit keyless entry systems – are thought to account for up to 60% of modern car thefts.
How to Reduce the Risk of Vehicle Theft
Car theft may be on the rise, but there are several effective ways to protect your vehicle:
Use visible deterrents
Simple devices like steering wheel locks or gearstick clamps are inexpensive, highly visible, and may deter opportunistic thieves.
Store keys in a Faraday pouch
Relay theft relies on signal amplification from your key fob. A signal-blocking pouch can prevent the fob from being detected, even when inside your home.
Install a discreet immobiliser system
Advanced aftermarket immobilisers, such as the Ghost system, can prevent your vehicle from being driven without a secure, pre-set code. This type of system is extremely difficult to bypass, even for tech-savvy criminals.
Add a tracking device
If the worst does happen, a GPS tracker can dramatically improve the chances of recovering your vehicle quickly.
Park smart
Always park in well-lit, secure areas. If possible, use a locked garage or monitored car park. Most thefts occur from residential driveways.
Mark your vehicle
Etching your car’s VIN onto the windows and other parts makes it less attractive to thieves looking to resell or dismantle the vehicle.
Don’t rely solely on factory security
Modern cars often have vulnerable entry systems. Supplementing them with additional layers of security is no longer optional – it’s essential.
Thinking about installing an immobiliser?
If you’ve decided that an advanced
Ghost immobiliser system is the right choice for your vehicle, Phoenix Car Keys is a trusted name in professional installation. Their team works with precision and discretion, ensuring your security upgrade is done to the highest standard – without compromise.
With vehicle theft still a real and growing threat in the UK, taking a proactive approach is the smartest move a driver can make. From simple deterrents to high-tech solutions like immobilisers and trackers, there’s no excuse to leave your car unprotected.
And if you’re ready to invest in proper security – particularly an immobiliser like Ghost – Phoenix Car Keys is a name you can trust. When it comes to keeping what’s yours, expert installation makes all the difference.
