Owners of a popular car have been sent a warning after new figures suggested it was an increasing target for thieves. The motor has now become one of the most stolen following a surge in thefts. And it is not one of the usual suspects but a newer electric model.
It suggests crooks are turning their attention to electric vehicles as well as old favourites like the Ford Fiesta, traditionally the UK's most nicked car. Thefts of the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT have skyrocketed over the last few years.
There were 437 thefts reported to the DVLA last year, up 28% from 342 in 2024. Another 253 Toyota C-HR Excel HEV CVTs were swiped, up from 182 (39%) the previous year. This put the Toyota EV second on the DVLA most stolen list. And these were only thefts the DVLA were informed about there will likely have been many others.
It suggests a trend, with thefts of many other models falling in 2025. And it has now prompted a warning to owners of these Toyota EV models, who may want to take steps to help protect their cars.
The DVLA data was analysed by motoring experts at Tempcover. Jake Lambert, from the firm, said it was a wake-up call for owners of hybrids and electrics, who should not assume their motors will not be targeted by thieves.
He said: If you own a C-HR or similar hybrid, standard security measures like steering locks are essential, but you can also be tactical. For example, keeping fobs in a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking box and parking your car nose-in against a wall or garage door can act as a deterrent. 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.
