DVLA Reports Sharp 40% Increase in Thefts of Popular Toyota C-HR Hybrid SUVs
New data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has exposed a worrying trend, revealing that thieves are increasingly targeting top-selling vehicles, with thefts of a popular SUV spiking by nearly 40 percent. Analysis of DVLA theft reports by motoring insurer Tempcover highlights a significant surge in thefts of the relatively new Toyota C-HR hybrid, raising alarms for owners across the country.
Specific Models Hit Hard by Rising Crime Rates
The Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT has experienced the most dramatic increase, with 437 thefts reported in 2025. This marks a substantial 28 percent rise from the 342 thefts recorded in 2024, indicating a growing focus on this model by criminal elements.
Similarly, the Toyota C-HR Excel HEV CVT has seen a sharp uptick in thefts, with incidents climbing to 253 in 2025. This represents a 39 percent increase from the 182 thefts reported the previous year, according to the DVLA. These figures underscore a targeted effort against these hybrid vehicles, which are among the best-selling cars in the market.
Expert Security Advice from Tempcover
Jake Lambert, a representative at Tempcover, emphasized the importance of enhanced security measures for owners of these vehicles. “If you own a C-HR or a similar hybrid model, standard security precautions like steering locks are crucial, but you can also adopt tactical approaches,” he advised.
Lambert recommended practical steps to deter thieves, such as storing key fobs in Faraday pouches or signal-blocking boxes to prevent relay attacks. Additionally, he suggested parking vehicles “nose-in” against a wall or garage door. “This positioning blocks access to the front bumper and wheel arches, making it much harder for thieves to reach the headlight wiring often exploited to hack the vehicle’s computer system,” he explained.
Official Guidance for Victims of Vehicle Theft
The government provides clear instructions for individuals whose vehicles have been stolen. Immediate action is essential:
- Contact the police by dialing 101 and request to be connected to your local force. Be prepared to provide your vehicle’s registration number, make, model, and color.
- You will receive a crime reference number, which is necessary when informing your insurance company about the theft.
- The police will notify the DVLA of the theft and update them if the vehicle is recovered.
Your insurance provider will guide you through the claims process. If a claim is paid out for a stolen vehicle, you must inform the DVLA that the car has been sold to the insurance company. For those with personalized registration numbers wishing to retain them, it is critical to reclaim the number before notifying the DVLA of the change in ownership.
This rise in thefts serves as a stark reminder for all vehicle owners to prioritize security and stay vigilant against evolving criminal tactics.
