A Deep Dive Into The Most Stolen Cars
Car theft has become an alarming issue in the UK, with recent data indicating a significant increase in stolen vehicles. Despite advancements in technology and security systems, criminals have become increasingly sophisticated, finding new ways to bypass these safeguards. In this article, we will delve into the rising trend of car theft in the UK, explore the most stolen car brands and models, analyse the preferred color choices of thieves, examine the locations with the highest car theft rates, and discuss measures to protect your vehicle from being stolen.
The Most Stolen Car Brands
According to the statistics from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Land Rover emerges as the most targeted car brand for thieves in the UK. Shockingly, approximately one in every hundred Land Rovers was reported stolen in the year ending March 2023. This significant theft rate makes Land Rovers three times more likely to be stolen compared to the second most popular target, Mercedes-Benz.
The Range Rover Velar: The Most Targeted Model
Among the Land Rover models, the Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic has become the prime target for car thieves. A staggering two out of every hundred Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic models are stolen, making it the most stolen car model in the UK. In fact, six out of the top ten most stolen models are made by Land Rover, further highlighting the brand’s vulnerability to theft.
Other Targeted Car Brands and Models
While Land Rover takes the top spot in car thefts, other brands also find themselves on the thieves’ radar. Mercedes-Benz occupies the second position, with a theft rate of 323 cars stolen per 100,000. Ford and BMW follow closely behind, with theft rates of 292 and 290 cars stolen per 100,000, respectively. Audi, Toyota, Fiat, Volkswagen, Vauxhall, and Hyundai complete the top ten list of most stolen car brands in the UK.
The Color Preference of Thieves
Contrary to popular belief, red cars are not the most attractive to thieves. Instead, black cars have a higher likelihood of being stolen, with approximately 18,000 black cars reported as stolen last year alone. Insurance companies suggest that colors blending in with the crowd, such as white, silver, and grey, are more likely to be targeted. Bright colors, on the other hand, act as deterrents due to their visibility on the roads.
Car Theft Hotspots in the UK
The geographical distribution of car thefts reveals the areas with the highest rates of theft. The West Midlands tops the list, with 251 car thefts per 100,000 vehicles, closely followed by London. In contrast, Dyfed in Wales boasts the lowest car theft rate, with only 22 thefts per 100,000 vehicles. These regional variations in car theft rates highlight the need for localised strategies to combat the issue effectively.