Fresh DVLA figures have identified the cars most targeted by thieves, from Britain’s best-selling superminis to in-demand hybrid SUVs.
Topping the unwanted league table once again is the Ford Fiesta, with a total 3,511 reported stolen in 2025. That is more than double the second-placed Volkswagen Golf (1,625) and comfortably ahead of the Ford Focus (1,474). The data shows 54,830 vehicles were reported stolen last year, which equates to one motor being taken every 10 minutes, or 150 a day.
Total thefts have dipped 11%, however some models have seen sharp rises – with hybrid Toyotas and luxury SUVs climbing the charts. Claire Evans, consumer editor at What Car?, said: “Annual car theft figures continue to be very high, so owners need to do all they can to keep them safe.
“Our data shows that small, inexpensive models such as the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Corsa are under threat, so it’s vital to take measures to protect all cars. Simple measures, like using a steering lock or keeping your car keys in a Faraday pouch, will lessen the chances of it being stolen.”
The Faraday pouch ensures electronic keys are safe from having their coded unlocking signals from being captured by thieves.
1. Ford Fiesta - 3,107
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The Ford Fiesta tops the list(Image: Chris Hepburn/Getty Images)
What Car?’s analysis shows 86% of stolen Fiestas were the Mk6 (2008–2017), suggesting older examples are being targeted heavily for parts.
2. Volkswagen Golf – 1,625
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A Volkswagen Golf(Image: Getty)
Half of all stolen Golfs were Mk7 models (2013–2019), underlining how popular mainstream family hatchbacks remain with thieves.
3. Ford Focus – 1,474
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The Ford Focus is third(Image: Getty)
The third-generation Focus (2011–2018) accounts for more than half of thefts.
4. Toyota RAV4 – 1,348
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Toyota Rav4(Image: Getty)
A major climber. An eye-catching 95% of stolen RAV4s were the latest-generation model (2019–2025).
5. BMW 3 Series – 1,319
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BMW 3 series(Image: Getty)
The 2013–2018 generation is stolen most often, though thefts are spread across versions.
6. Nissan Juke – 1,200
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The Nissan Juke comes in at number six(Image: Getty)
Some 88% of Nissan Jukes stolen were first-generation (2010–2019).
7. Toyota C-HR – 967
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Toyota C-HR(Image: Getty)
Not even in the top 20 last year – now seventh, with first-generation models (2016–2023) dominating.
8. Lexus NX – 951
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A Lexus NX (Image: Getty)
The biggest riser among the top 10, with thefts surging 40%.
9. Range Rover Evoque – 895
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Range Rover Evoque(Image: Getty)
Older 2011–2019 cars account for the bulk of cases.
10. Vauxhall Corsa – 874
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A Vauxhall Corsa(Image: Getty)
Most targeted is the third-generation ‘Corsa D’ (2006–2014).
11. Land Rover Discovery Sport – 813
12. Ford Kuga – 799
13. Vauxhall Astra – 758
14. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 826
15. BMW 1 Series – 754
16. Range Rover Sport – 700
17. Nissan Qashqai – 695
18. Audi A3 – 658
19. Kia Sportage – 653
20. Toyota Prius – 644
Ford – 7,677
BMW – 5,489
Toyota – 4,518
Mercedes-Benz – 3,992
Land Rover – 3,690
Audi – 3,650
Volkswagen – 3,426
Vauxhall – 2,764
Nissan – 2,611
Lexus – 2,031
* Source: DVLA statistics analysed by What Car?