LONDON, UK – Analysis of newly released DVLA data has uncovered a surprising twist in the UK’s vehicle theft landscape. While the Ford Fiesta once again claimed the unenviable title of the nation’s most stolen car in 2024, it’s Abarth and Lexus owners who face the greatest proportional risk of their cars being targeted by thieves.
The data, collated by automotive insights experts, paints a more nuanced picture by comparing reported thefts with the number of each model registered on UK roads. This proportional approach reveals that while sheer volume places brands like Ford and BMW high on the overall theft count, it’s the owners of Abarth and Lexus vehicles who are statistically most at risk.
Abarth and Lexus: High Performance, Higher Risk
Despite its niche status, Abarth emerges as the brand most likely to be stolen in 2024. With one theft reported for every 116 vehicles on the road, the Italian performance sub-brand of Fiat now leads the list of highest-risk marques.
Hot on its heels is Lexus. The Japanese premium brand saw five of its models appear in the top 10 most at-risk vehicles — a sobering signal for owners. Topping the model-specific chart is the Lexus ES300 saloon, with an astonishing 1-in-30 chance of being stolen. Meanwhile, the RX450 SUV also proved particularly vulnerable, with 717 thefts reported last year alone — equating to a 1-in-39 theft rate.
“The scale of thefts involving Lexus models should be a wake-up call,” said Alex Kefford, Head of Editorial at automotive PR agency loop. “It’s a brand associated with refinement and discretion, yet it’s drawing the wrong kind of attention from organised criminal groups.”
Ford: Most Stolen by Volume, but Not Proportionally
Ford retains its crown as the UK’s most stolen brand by total number, with 9,284 thefts recorded in 2024 — more than 50% higher than BMW, its nearest rival. The Ford Fiesta leads the charge with 4,719 reported thefts, more than double that of the second-placed Volkswagen Golf.
Interestingly, it’s not just the sporty ST variants being targeted. DVLA figures show that Fiesta Zetec and Titanium trims were the most commonly stolen, pointing to demand in the parts black market.
However, when adjusted for the approximately 4.3 million Ford vehicles on the road, the brand’s proportional risk drops considerably — to just 1-in-460 — placing it 13th overall in terms of theft likelihood.
Tesla and TVR: Thieves Not Interested
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Tesla and TVR emerged as the least stolen brands in the UK last year. Electric car manufacturer Tesla recorded just 33 thefts — a 1-in-7,031 chance of a vehicle going missing. The Model 3, Tesla’s most popular model, accounted for roughly half of those incidents.
British sports car manufacturer TVR went one better. Despite having nearly 11,000 vehicles still registered, just one was stolen in the whole of 2024 — a lone T350 — making it statistically the most secure brand on UK roads.
Range Rover’s Retreat from the Headlines
While 2023 headlines were dominated by soaring theft rates of Range Rover models and the resulting insurance chaos, the proportional approach taken in this new analysis has shifted the spotlight. “Jaguar Land Rover took the issue seriously,” noted Kefford. “Software updates, new ultra-wideband keys, and funding support for police operations have all helped to curb thefts. But the same urgency is now needed from other manufacturers.”
The Bigger Picture: Why Some Cars Are Stolen More Than Others
Several factors influence theft rates beyond just desirability. The cost-of-living crisis, high demand for used parts, and ongoing supply chain disruptions have created a perfect storm. Vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, once Britain’s best-seller, have become prime targets for disassembly and resale on the black market.
Kefford added: “There’s huge demand for Fiesta parts, and with so many on the road, sourcing components has become difficult. Unfortunately, that demand is now fuelling a spike in theft.”
Even prestige doesn’t guarantee safety. Among the more sobering statistics was the theft of at least one Ferrari Purosangue — a car that barely had time to be enjoyed by its owner. Ferrari owners may take some comfort in the low 1-in-4,000 odds of theft, though Kefford dryly notes, “That’s roughly on par with losing a Daewoo — but probably doesn’t feel that way when it’s your six-figure super-SUV.”
What Can Be Done?
With the shift in data pointing to lesser-known brands becoming higher-value targets, the message is clear: complacency is not an option. As criminal operations become more sophisticated and selective, manufacturers and owners alike must adopt new strategies for theft prevention — from tracking and immobilisation tech to secure parking solutions and awareness campaigns.
If brands like JLR can course-correct, the same path is open to others — but only with urgency and action.
Top 5 Most Stolen Brands by Proportional Risk in 2024
- Abarth – 1-in-116
- Lexus – 1-in-170 (notably RX450: 1-in-39; ES300: 1-in-30)
- Jaguar – 1-in-224
- Land Rover – 1-in-252
- BMW – 1-in-306
Bottom 3 Least Stolen Brands
- TVR – 1-in-11,000
- Tesla – 1-in-7,031
- Daewoo – 1-in-4,004
As vehicle theft evolves, so too must prevention — and for some brands, the clock is ticking.
