According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), 64,087 vehicles were reported stolen in the UK in 2023. That’s a 5% increase from the previous year.
So, on average 179 cars a day are stolen in the UK. Find out which cars are most stolen and the steps you can take to reduce the chances of your car being targeted by thieves.
EASY AS HACK
If your car is stolen, call the police on 101 and give them the following information about your car:
- Registration number
- Make and model
- Colour
Ask the police for a crime reference number to give to your insurer.
At a glance
Investing in security such as CCTV, steering wheel locks and immobiliser systems is a great way to help prevent thieves from stealing your car.
Ways to protect your car from being stolen
Keep your car locked
Locking your car can help reduce the possibility of it being stolen. Make sure your windows and sunroof are closed when you lock your car as these can be entry points for thieves.
Keep the keys safe
Technological advances mean that thieves can now clone your key fob if they’re close enough; they don’t need to steal the physical key.
Keep your keys out of view once you’ve locked your car. Put them straight in your bag rather than holding onto them until you’ve arrived at your destination.
You should also keep them out of view when you’re in the house. If they’re hanging on a hook by a window, this makes them an easy target for thieves.
Guard against keyless entry theft
Many cars are now equipped with keyless entry, meaning the car unlocks when the key is within a certain distance of the car. To prevent car theft with keyless entry, keep your keys well away from your car. You can also try keeping them in a signal-blocking pouch like a Faraday bag.
Turn your car wheels into the curb
A simple way to help prevent car theft is turning your wheels in towards the curb when you park. This makes it harder for thieves to make a speedy getaway if they do gain access to your car.
Use a steering wheel lock
Steering wheel locks prevent the steering wheel from being turned. They can take a while to remove from the steering wheel which can buy you valuable time if a thief does gain access to your car.
Use pedal locks
Pedal locks secure your pedals in position, making it impossible to drive the car.
Invest in security cameras or CCTV
Having noticeable security cameras on/around your house (i.e. mounted cameras or a security doorbell) can work as a deterrent to thieves.
Having some form of security camera can also provide evidence in the case of theft or attempted theft.
Fit GPS tracking technology
GPS tracking could help you get your car back if it’s stolen. Not all cars are fitted with GPS tracking technology, so it’s always good to check to see if your car comes with it fitted as standard.
If your car doesn’t have a tracking device fitted as standard, you may want to invest in one as an extra precaution.
Park in the right place
Try to park somewhere that’s well lit, open and in public view.
If you need to use a car park, try to find one that’s protected by CCTV or patrolled by a warden.
Don’t leave your belongings on display
Anything that can be tempting enough for someone to break into your car should be hidden from view. This can include:
- CDs
- Chargers
- Electronics
- Shopping
- Anything branded with a designer logo (including empty boxes/bags)
Install driveway security
Motion sensor lights are a good way to deter thieves from stealing your car.
You can also install driveway locking posts to prevent your car from being driven away.
Don’t leave documents in the car
Keeping vehicle documents in the car itself, such as in the glove box, might be convenient. But if your car is stolen, ready access to documents, such as the logbook and service history, could make it easier to sell on.
Fit an immobiliser
An immobiliser is an electronic security device fitted to a vehicle. It prevents the engine from being started unless a specific key is used or specific sequence of buttons are pushed. Cars manufactured after October 1998 have immobilisers fitted as standard. But if you have an older car without an immobiliser you can have one fitted.
What to do if your car is stolen
You need to report a stolen car to the police by dialling 101 and give them the following information:
- Registration number
- Make and model
- Colour
You’ll then need to inform your insurance provider that your car has been stolen. If you have replacement vehicle cover, your car insurance may provide you with a courtesy car.
Which cars are the most stolen in the UK?
- Ford Fiesta: 5979
- Ford Focus: 2120
- Volkswagen Golf: 2038
- Mercedes C-Class: 1786
- Range Rover Sport: 1631
- Range Rover Evoque: 1489
- BMW 3 Series: 1466
- Vauxhall Corsa: 1110
- Vauxhall Astra: 1086
- Land Rover Discovery Sport: 954
Find out more about our car insurance.
FAQs
If my car is stolen do I need to inform my insurance provider? Yes. You’ll need to inform your insurer if your car is stolen. First, call the police and get a crime reference number, then contact your insurer as soon as possible.
What is a quick method of protecting my car from being stolen? Use a Faraday bag if your car has keyless entry and don’t keep your keys near the front door.
Will my insurance provider provide me with a vehicle replacement? Your insurer could provide you with a vehicle replacement if you have replacement vehicle cover included in your policy.
How can you help to prevent your car radio from being stolen? There are several ways to do this but one of the easiest ways to do this is to invest in a detachable faceplate for your radio. You can also invest in tinted windows.
What should you do when your car is stolen? If your car is stolen, you should call the police on 101, report the theft and get a crime reference number. You should then contact your insurer.
