Toyota C-HR Hybrid Emerges as a Prime Target for UK Car Thieves
Owners of hybrid and electric vehicles are being issued a stark warning following the release of alarming new data. The Toyota C-HR hybrid has surged up the list of the most stolen cars in the United Kingdom, with thefts increasing dramatically over the past two years.
Sharp Rise in Thefts for Popular Hybrid Model
According to the latest figures analysed by motoring experts at Tempcover from DVLA records, reported thefts of the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT reached 437 in 2025. This represents a significant 28% increase from the 342 thefts recorded in 2024.
Furthermore, thefts of the Toyota C-HR Excel HEV CVT variant also saw a substantial jump, rising by 39% from 182 in 2024 to 253 in 2025. Experts caution that these figures likely only represent a portion of actual incidents, as they include only those thefts formally reported to the DVLA.
A Concerning Trend Amidst Falling Overall Theft Rates
This surge is particularly noteworthy because it contrasts with a broader national trend where thefts of many other vehicle models have been declining. The data suggests that criminals are increasingly targeting specific hybrid models, marking a shift in their operational focus.
Despite this rise, the Ford Fiesta maintains its long-standing position as the most stolen car in the UK. This is largely attributed to its high volume on British roads and the increased demand for parts since Ford ceased production of the iconic model.
Security Experts Issue Urgent 'Wake-Up Call' to Owners
Jake Lambert, a representative from Tempcover, described the data as a "wake-up call" for owners of hybrid and electric vehicles. He emphasized that while standard security measures remain crucial, owners must adopt more tactical approaches to protect their assets.
Lambert provided specific recommendations for enhanced security:
- Utilize steering locks as a fundamental deterrent.
- Store key fobs in a Faraday pouch or a signal-blocking box to prevent relay attacks.
- Adopt a "nose-in" parking strategy against a wall or garage door.
This parking position is strategically important as it blocks easy access to the front bumper and wheel arches. Thieves often target the headlight wiring in these areas to hack into a vehicle's computer system, a common method for stealing modern cars.
The warning underscores a growing need for hybrid and electric vehicle owners to reassess and strengthen their security protocols in response to this evolving criminal threat.
