Home / Crime and Justice / UK Car Thefts Drop 11%, But One Stolen Every 10 Minutes
UK Car Thefts Drop 11%, But One Stolen Every 10 Minutes
18 Feb
Summary
- Vehicle thefts fell by 11% last year, but one car is still stolen every 10 minutes.
- Ford Fiesta remains the most stolen car, though its thefts decreased by 21%.
- Keyless technology is identified as a major driver for the overall rise in car thefts.
Last year, the UK experienced an 11% reduction in reported vehicle thefts compared to the previous year, with 54,830 vehicles stolen. However, this translates to one vehicle being stolen every 10 minutes nationally. While this figure represents a decrease, it is still more than double the number of thefts recorded a decade prior.
The Ford Fiesta, Britain's most common car, retained its position as the most stolen vehicle, with 3,511 thefts. Notably, Fiesta thefts declined by 21% year-on-year, a trend possibly linked to the discontinuation of its production in mid-2023.
Despite the overall decline, keyless technology is identified as a significant contributor to the rise in car thefts over the last decade. Techniques like 'relay attacks' allow thieves to bypass electronic security systems quickly.
Other models like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus also featured high on the stolen list. Conversely, luxury vehicles such as Ferraris and Rolls-Royces were stolen in very low numbers, likely due to advanced security measures and secure parking.
Stolen vehicles are often transported overseas, with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the UAE being primary destinations. Measures like steering locks and Faraday pouches are recommended for owners to enhance vehicle security.
