UK’s Most Stolen Cars

We’ve all seen thieves hotwiring a car in the movies – a relatively simple process of brute force and basic wiring knowledge. Fortunately, cars have come a long way in terms of anti-theft security.

Based on traditional methods of old, modern technology makes car theft an impossible task for thieves, so it leaves two possible methods; 1, gain access to the vehicle keys or 2, make your own keys.

The less technically minded thief will typically choose option 1 by obtaining the keys, for example by breaking into an individuals home to steal them, or by gaining entry to the vehicle whilst the driver has stopped (carjacking). The more sophisticated, or professional thief will opt for option 2 as there’s less risk involved.

Car manufactures are constantly trying to make our lives easier with desirable features such as keyless entry. Though this technology may make life a little easier for some drivers, it also makes things a lot easier for the professional car thief.

The process is relatively simple to those in the know – to the unaware driver, transmitter jamming techniques are employed to prevent your vehicle doors from locking (either that or the thief may simply smash a window will gain access). On a vehicle that has a start button rather than the traditional ignition key start, the thief will then plug a special device into the vehicle diagnostic port enabling them to program a blank key.

Once a particular vehicle anti-theft security system has been cracked, it makes those specific models vulnerable, even more so if you live in an area with high vehicle theft rates such as London. It may even perhaps be enough to dissuade you from purchasing a vehicle on the most stolen cars list.

UK’s Top 10 Most Stolen Cars

Most high value vehicles are stolen to order and are quickly shipped off overseas to criminal gangs to sell on, or broken for parts.  Based on statistics from ‘Tracker’, the stolen vehicle recovery service, the 2014 UK’s top most stolen cars are:

1. BMW X5
   

   The BMW X5 was the UK’s most stolen car during 2014

2. Mercedes C Class
3. Range Rover Sport
4. Mercedes Benz E Class
5. Land Rover Discovery
6. BMW M3
7. Range Rover Vogue
8. Audi RS4
9. Mercedes Benz ML
10. Mercedes Benz C63

The 2014 statistics listed above see expensive, high-end 4×4 SUV’s topping the list. The 2015 UK top 10 most stolen car statistics still sees the high-end 4×4 SUV as the most popular vehicle to steal:

1. Range Rover Sport
   

   The Range Rover Sport was the UK’s most stolen car during 2015

2. BMW X5
3. Range Rover Vogue
4. Mercedes Benz C220
5. BMW 3 Series
6. Mercedes Benz C63
7. BMW 5 Series
8. Audi RS4
9. Range Rover Autobiography
10. Audi Q7

Can I Prevent My Car From Being Stolen?

If you are in the market for a new car, consider a more traditional version where the key is required to insert into the ignition for starting the vehicle as this is the primary factor on many vehicle thefts.

In terms of the professional experienced car thief, there’s often little you can do to prevent them taking your vehicle if they really want it. So it’s generally more about making your vehicle harder work and higher risk for them – in other words, they will leave yours and look for another, easier target.

There are some simple and relatively cheap precautions such as steering wheel locks and personal wheel clamps that will deter many thieves and some more advanced theft deterrents such as a tracker system. For further information, see how to prevent car theft.