The figures were analysed by Tempcover, detailing the make and model of all cars stolen between January 1 and December 31 last year.
In total, 54,145 cars were recorded as stolen in 2025, which equates to 148 a day or one roughly every 10 minutes.
Trends appear to show a shift to higher-value hybrid systems being stolen due to black market demand for hybrid parts.
These include catalytic converters containing precious metals, with some breaking in using more sophisticated technical attacks such as keyless entry signal amplification.
Top 10 stolen car models in the UK in 2025
According to the analysis of the DVLA data from Tempcover, the top 10 most stolen car models were:
1. Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT – 437 stolen
The most stolen individual car for 2025 was the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CRT, with 437 taken.
Explaining why this is the case, Jake Lambert, temporary insurance expert at Tempcover, shared: “The recent surge in thefts of Toyota C-HR variants is largely driven by a vulnerability known as’ headlight hacking’.
“Thieves are removing the front headlight to access the vehicle’s internal wiring network, enabling them to plug in a digital device that unlocks and starts the car in minutes without needing a key.”
Jake recommends using steering locks as a preventive measure, as well as parking ‘nose-in’ against a wall or garage door.
He adds: “This position blocks access to the front bumper and wheel arches, making it much harder for thieves to reach the headlight wiring often used to hack the vehicle’s computer.”
2. Ford Fiesta Zetec – 425 stolen
The Ford Fiesta Zetec is one of seven different Ford Fiesta models that is on the top 10, with it often being among the most stolen.
Despite being discontinued in 2023, the Ford Fiesta remains the UK’s best-selling used car, so it is a big target for the spare parts market.
Jake adds: “This ‘parts gap’ – where around 1.5 million of these vehicles remain on the road but no new components are being manufactured – creates a demand that significantly outstrips legitimate supply.
“Consequently, every version of the car becomes a high-value target for those looking to strip them for components to service the used car market.”
3. Ford Fiesta Titanium Turbo – 328 stolen
Another Ford Fiesta model had just under 100 fewer models stolen in 2025.
4. Ford Fiesta Zetec Turbo – 318 stolen
The Ford Fiesta Zetec Turbo was just behind the Titanium Turbo, with 318 cars stolen.
5. Nissan Juke Tekna CVT – 290 seat
The only other model outside of the Toyota and Ford ones included in the top 10 was the Nissan Juke Tekna CVT.
Jake shares that it is likely due to vulnerabilities in keyless entry systems, which criminals exploit using a technique called ‘relay attack’.
He adds: “Thieves use these specialised devices to intercept and amplify the signal from a key fob safely inside a house, tricking the car into unlocking and starting in mere seconds.
“To combat this wireless threat, we strongly advise owners to store their keys in a signal-blocking pouch as far away from the front door as possible, and to always use a physical steering lock.”
6. Ford Fiesta Titanium X – 287 stolen
Not too far behind the Nissan Juke was the Ford Fiesta Titanium X, with 287 cars stolen.
7. Ford Fiesta ST-2 Turbo – 279 stolen
Meanwhile, the Ford Fiesta ST-2 Tubo was next, with 279 cars stolen.
8. Toyota C-HR Excel HEV CVT – 253 stolen
Another Toyota C-HR variant in the Excel HEV CVT made the top 10 with 253 cars stolen.
9. Ford Fiesta Titanium – 249 stolen
The Ford Fiesta Titanium was just behind the Toyota C-HR Excel with 249 cars.
9= Ford Fiesta ST-3 Turbo – 249 stolen
Rounding out the list is the Ford Fiesta ST-3 Turbo, which also had 249 cars stolen in 2025.
How to stop your car from being stolen
As mentioned previously, some criminals use relay attacks to unlock cars, so you can combat this by placing the keys inside a metal box or signal-blocking wallet to block the signal.
The RAC also recommends parking in a well-lit public area to reduce the chances.
They add: “If you need to use a car park, try to find one that’s security patrolled, covered by CCTV, or that is in a secure area.
“If you’re at the shops or in a busy town centre car park, you should park close to other shoppers, rather than away from other cars.
“Thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle if they believe they might be disturbed.”
Utilising a steering lock or brake lock can also be helpful, and it could be useful to install a tracking device in case a thief gets away with your car.
