The most stolen car models revealed as motor thefts rise by a third

The most stolen car models revealed as motor thefts rise by a third

The Ford Fiesta is the most stolen vehicle model in the UK, according to analysis of DVLA data by Riverdale Leasing.

The figures revealed that there were almost 3,400 reported thefts of the UK’s most popular vehicle, an increase of more than 1,000 from the year before.

Total motor thefts also rose by a third in 2020, with 74,769 vehicles stolen from their rightful owners, an increase of 18,481 compared with 2019.

The data suggests that keyless theft targeting premium vehicles is partly responsible for this increase, with a high number of Range Rover thefts making it the second most stolen car in 2020 despite fewer examples on the road compared to other regularly stolen vehicles.

Several other luxury vehicles which can be taken using ‘relay devices’ featured in the top 15, including the Land Rover Discovery and Audi A6, alongside a selection of BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.

Neil Thomas, Director of Investigative Services at AX, commented: “Some may have expected the lockdown restrictions to reduce car theft in 2020, but this hasn’t been the case. Car criminals are using increasingly intelligent methods to steal vehicles, and are clearly finding success in these methods.

 “Although the figures show that 72% of stolen vehicles are never handed back to the keeper, the use of Thatcham accredited tracking products can vastly increase the likelihood of you seeing your car again, even if it is taken by thieves using relay devices.”

AX recently launched its new Thatcham approved vehicle tracking and recovery service, AX Track, bringing together a highly experienced support team and cutting-edge covert technology to delivery a comprehensive track, locate and recovery service.