Birmingham Emerges as Major Car Theft Hotspot in Latest UK Figures
According to newly released data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), a staggering 54,830 vehicles were reported stolen across the United Kingdom in 2025. This alarming statistic translates to one car being pinched approximately every ten minutes throughout the year.
Significant Decline in Thefts but Numbers Remain High
The 2025 figure represents an 11% decrease from the 61,343 thefts recorded in 2024. However, despite this positive trend, the 2024 total was the third-highest annual number in the past decade, more than double the figure from 2015. This indicates that while improvements are being made, vehicle theft remains a persistent and serious issue for motorists nationwide.
Birmingham Identified as a Key Target Area
Analysis of the DVLA data, conducted by This is Money and MailOnline, has pinpointed Birmingham as a significant hotspot for car crime. The city recorded 3,220 vehicle thefts in 2025, making it the second-largest car theft hotspot in England. East London was identified as the worst-affected area in the entire UK.
Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf Top the Most Stolen Models
The Ford Fiesta has been named Britain's most commonly stolen car model, with 3,511 reported thefts in 2025. Older Mk6 generation Fiestas, produced between 2008 and 2017, are particularly targeted by thieves. Following closely is the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 (2013-2019), with 1,625 thefts, securing its position as the UK's second-most stolen vehicle.
Comprehensive Lists of Most Stolen Brands and Models
The DVLA data provides detailed insights into the brands and models most frequently targeted by criminals:
Top 20 Most Stolen Car Brands of 2025
- Ford – 7,677 thefts
- BMW – 5,489 thefts
- Toyota – 4,518 thefts
- Mercedes-Benz – 3,992 thefts
- Land Rover – 3,690 thefts
- Audi – 3,650 thefts
- Volkswagen – 3,426 thefts
- Vauxhall – 2,764 thefts
- Nissan – 2,611 thefts
- Lexus – 2,031 thefts
- Kia – 2,019 thefts
- Hyundai – 1,852 thefts
- Peugeot – 1,083 thefts
- Jaguar – 1,076 thefts
- Renault – 782 thefts
- Porsche – 727 thefts
- Fiat – 715 thefts
- Honda – 681 thefts
- Mitsubishi – 630 thefts
- Citroen – 607 thefts
Top 20 Most Stolen Car Models of 2025
- Ford Fiesta – 3,511 thefts
- Volkswagen Golf – 1,625 thefts
- Ford Focus – 1,474 thefts
- Toyota RAV4 – 1,348 thefts
- BMW 3 Series – 1,319 thefts
- Nissan Juke – 1,200 thefts
- Toyota C-HR – 967 thefts
- Lexus NX – 951 thefts
- Range Rover Evoque – 895 thefts
- Vauxhall Corsa – 874 thefts
- Land Rover Discovery Sport – 813 thefts
- Ford Kuga – 799 thefts
- Vauxhall Astra – 758 thefts
- Mercedes C-Class – 826 thefts
- BMW 1 Series – 754 thefts
- Range Rover Sport – 700 thefts
- Nissan Qashqai – 695 thefts
- Audi A3 – 658 thefts
- Kia Sportage – 653 thefts
- Toyota Prius – 644 thefts
This comprehensive data underscores the ongoing challenge of vehicle theft in the UK, with Birmingham residents urged to remain vigilant and take appropriate security measures to protect their cars.
