The Ford Fiesta was the most stolen car in 2021 in the UK, and the Mitsubishi Outlander was the most stolen plug-in, according to DVLA data analysed by car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco.
Some 48,493 stolen cars were reported by the police to the DVLA in 2021. That’s a car stolen from its owner every 11 minutes somewhere in the UK.
There were 1,617 more cars stolen in 2021 than during 2020 (46,876). However, there were 10,149 fewer cars stolen last year than the 58,642 pinched during 2019, pre-pandemic.
DVLA data also reveals that 5% of cars stolen in 2021 were plug-ins. The Mitsubishi Outlander topped the plug-in theft table.
The following table shows the Top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2021.
Make, Model |
Number stolen in 2021 |
Ford Fiesta | 3,909 |
Land Rover Range Rover | 3,754 |
Ford Focus | 1,912 |
VW Golf | 1,755 |
Mercedes C Class | 1,474 |
BMW 3 Series | 1,464 |
Land Rover Discovery | 1,260 |
Vauxhall Corsa | 1,218 |
Vauxhall Astra | 1,096 |
Mercedes E Class | 818 |
The following table shows the Top 10 most stolen plug-in cars in 2021.
Make, Model | Number stolen in 2021 |
Mitsubishi Outlander 4H PHEV CVT |
94 |
Hyundai Ioniq Premium HEV S-A | 73 |
Lexus RX 450H F Sport CVT | 70 |
Toyota Prius Hybrid | 61 |
Toyota Prius T Spirit VVT-I CVT | 55 |
Range Rover Sport HSE DYN P400E | 53 |
BMW 330E M SPORT | 52 |
Mitsubishi Outlander GX 4H PHEV | 42 |
Toyota Prius Active VVT-I CVT | 37 |
Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE HEV | 32 |
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco said,“The Ford Fiesta may have lost its crown as the best selling car in the UK but it still retains the unenviable title as being the most stolen car in Britain.
“Close behind is the Range Rover, one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market, which has been targeted by sophisticated criminal gangs who have the knowledge and keyless tech to gain entry.
“There’s no reason not to purchase these cars just because they appear on the list. If you take the right precautions you can avoid becoming a victim of car thieves – and that goes for any car owners.”
He added, “Always make sure your vehicle is locked before you walk away and check that it’s locked at night. Think about upgrading the security on your car; this could include fitting an alarm, immobiliser and tracking system.
“Consider another layer of security in the form of a steering wheel lock, which also acts as an effective visual deterrent.
“And make sure you keep your vehicle keys safe; store them out of sight from windows and doors, don’t leave your car running with the keys in the ignition, and consider using a signal blocking key.”