Nearly 48,500 vehicles were reported stolen in Britain in 2021, a 3% increase from 2020 but still below pre-pandemic levels, according to DVLA data obtained by LeaseLoco via a Freedom of Information request. The Ford Fiesta topped the list with 3,909 thefts, followed closely by the Range Rover with 3,754 incidents.
The data shows criminals are increasingly targeting high-end models with keyless technology. Premium brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Land Rover feature prominently, with the Mercedes C-Class (1,474 thefts), BMW 3 Series (1,464), and Land Rover Discovery (1,260) all in the top ten. The Range Rover Sport was the most stolen and recovered vehicle for the third consecutive year, according to Tracker.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, noted that while the Ford Fiesta lost its best-selling crown, it remains the most stolen car. Clive Wain of Tracker linked the rise in thefts to pandemic-related factors, including increased demand for car parts and a surge in second-hand car sales, which created lucrative opportunities for thieves.
James Fairclough of AA Cars warned that buyers of stolen vehicles face losing both the car and their money, urging caution when purchasing used cars.
