The Ford Fiesta is the most stolen car in the UK. This is according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
A total of 3,392 Fiestas were stolen in 2020 – up from 2,384 in 2019. This represents around 4.5 percent of all cars stolen in 2020. The DVLA data reveals that 74,769 cars were stolen last year – the equivalent of 205 a day. Worryingly, this is up from 56,288 in 2019.
The list of stolen cars is certainly predictable. Nine of the cars retained their top 10 position for a second consecutive year. Only the Audi A3 dropped out of the top 10, to be replaced by the Nissan Qashqai.
The Ford Fiesta is by far and away the UK’s most popular new car, so its position at the top of the list of most stolen isn’t necessarily a surprise. Nearly 50,000 Fiestas were registered in 2020 alone, in a market affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Strong sales are led by keen pricing, a large dealer network and brand awareness.
Some of the other cars in the top 15 might raise a few eyebrows. The FOI submitted by Rivervale Leasing found that premium cars are likely to be a target for thieves. The Range Rover is the second most stolen car for the second consecutive year, with the Land Rover Discovery also making the top 15.
There’s no place for the Land Rover Defender. This follows a report that at least four Defender thefts a week were being reported to NFU Mutual in January 2020. Organised criminals scour farmyards and country properties in search of Defenders and Series Land Rovers they can steal.
Top 15 most stolen cars of 2020
- 1. Ford Fiesta: 3,392
- 2. Range Rover: 2,881
- 3. Volkswagen Golf: 1,975
- 4. Ford Focus: 1,587
- 5. BMW 3 Series: 1,435
- 6. Vauxhall Astra: 1,126
- 7. Land Rover Discovery: 900
- 8. Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 766
- 9. BMW 5 Series: 678
- 10. Nissan Qashqai: 655
- 11. Ford Kuga: 620
- 12. BMW X5: 551
- 13. Fiat 500: 358
- 14. Mercedes-Benz GLC: 342
- 15. Audi A6: 268
Click here to read the full Rivervale Leasing report.
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