DVLA figures analysed by Tempcover have shown that vehicles produced by Toyota, Ford, and Nissan dominated the rankings for Britain’s most frequently stolen cars throughout last year.
The insurer scrutinised makes and models from every reported theft occurring between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Overall, 54,145 vehicles were recorded as stolen during the year, averaging roughly 148 per day or approximately one every ten minutes.
Researchers found that criminals are focusing increasingly on pricier hybrid models due to demand on the black market for hybrid components.
These parts consist of catalytic converters containing valuable metals, with some thieves deploying more sophisticated techniques such as boosting keyless entry signals.
The ten vehicle models most commonly stolen in the UK during 2025 were identified through Tempcover’s analysis of DVLA statistics.
1. Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT – 437 stolen
The individual model registering the highest theft figure for 2025 was the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT, with 437 units taken.
Jake Lambert, temporary insurance specialist at Tempcover, outlined the reasons for this pattern: The recent increase in thefts of Toyota C-HR variants is primarily due to a weakness referred to as headlight hacking. Criminals are removing the front headlight to gain access to the vehicle’s internal wiring system, allowing them to connect a digital device that can unlock and start the car within minutes without requiring a key. Jake recommends employing steering locks as a deterrent and parking with the front facing a wall or garage door. This arrangement blocks access to the front bumper and wheel arches, making it considerably harder for thieves to reach the headlight wiring commonly exploited to compromise the vehicle’s computer system.
2. Ford Fiesta Zetec – 425 stolen
The Ford Fiesta Zetec is one of seven Ford Fiesta variants appearing in the top 10, regularly placing among the most stolen. Although manufacturing ceased in 2023, the Ford Fiesta remains Britain’s most popular used vehicle, rendering it a prime target for the spare parts market. Jake notes this parts gap, where approximately 1.5 million such vehicles remain in circulation but no new components are being manufactured, creates demand far surpassing legitimate supply. Consequently, every version of this model becomes appealing to those wishing to strip them for parts to supply the used car market.
3. Ford Fiesta Titanium Turbo – 328 stolen
Another Ford Fiesta variant had under 100 fewer units stolen in 2025.
4. Ford Fiesta Zetec Turbo – 318 stolen
The Ford Fiesta Zetec Turbo came just behind the Titanium Turbo, with 318 vehicles taken.
5. Nissan Juke Tekna CVT – 290 stolen
The sole other model beyond the Toyota and Ford entries in the top 10 was the Nissan Juke Tekna CVT. Jake observes this likely stems from vulnerabilities in keyless entry systems, which offenders exploit through a technique called relay attack. Criminals utilize these specialized devices to capture and boost the signal from a key fob located inside a residence, deceiving the vehicle into unlocking and starting within seconds. To counter this wireless threat, owners should keep their keys in a signal-blocking pouch positioned as far from the front door as possible and always use a physical steering lock.
6. Ford Fiesta Titanium X – 287 stolen
Slightly behind the Nissan Juke came the Ford Fiesta Titanium X, with 287 vehicles taken.
7. Ford Fiesta ST-2 Turbo – 279 stolen
Following this was the Ford Fiesta ST-2 Turbo, with 279 stolen units.
8. Toyota C-HR Excel HEV CVT – 253 stolen
Another Toyota C-HR variant, the Excel HEV CVT, entered the top 10 with 253 vehicles stolen.
9. Ford Fiesta Titanium – 249 stolen
The Ford Fiesta Titanium followed the Toyota C-HR Excel with 249 stolen.
9= Ford Fiesta ST-3 Turbo – 249 stolen
Also appearing at number nine was the Ford Fiesta ST-3 Turbo, which also had 249 vehicles stolen in 2025.
How to prevent your car from being stolen
As indicated previously, some criminals employ relay attacks to access vehicles, so defence can be achieved by storing keys in a metal container or signal-blocking wallet to obstruct the signal.
The RAC recommends parking in a well-lit public area to reduce theft risk. They further advise finding car parks with security patrols, CCTV coverage, or secure zones. When shopping or using busy town centre car parks, vehicles should be parked near other shoppers rather than isolated from other cars, as thieves are less likely to target vehicles they believe may attract attention.
Employing a steering lock or brake lock also provides benefit, while fitting a tracking device could prove valuable should a criminal successfully steal a vehicle.