Drivers of popular vehicles at risk as unprecedented levels of car thefts impact thousands

The findings revealed that car crime remains a major and persistent threat for motorists, with more than 90,000 thefts recorded every year, while recovery rates have remained low at just 13 per cent.

According to the analysis, more than 297,000 vehicles reported stolen since 2022 have never been found.

The Metropolitan Police Service recorded the highest number of thefts, with more than 114,000 vehicles reported stolen since 2022, accounting for over a third of all thefts nationally.

London boroughs including Croydon, Waltham Forest and Newham, recorded particularly high concentrations, reflecting the capital's long-running struggle with vehicle crime.

The West Midlands followed with more than 53,000 thefts, while West Yorkshire, Essex and South Yorkshire all appeared in the top five worst-affected areas.

Urban regions with dense populations and high numbers of high-value vehicles remain prime targets for criminal groups. Ben Welham, motoring expert at Cinch, said the scale of the problem should be a "wake-up call" for drivers.

He added: "These figures show that vehicle theft is a relentless problem affecting tens of thousands of drivers every year. While we haven't seen dramatic increases year-on-year, the sheer volume of thefts remains deeply concerning for motorists across the country."

But the data showed the annual theft numbers remain stubbornly high, with more than 91,000 vehicles being stolen in 2022.

This rose slightly to more than 95,000 in 2023 before dipping to just over 93,000 in 2024. By September 2025, police had already recorded more than 62,000 thefts.

At the other end of the scale, some parts of the country have remained comparatively safe, with the City of London recording only 156 vehicle thefts over the three years, marking the lowest figure in the UK.

Rural counties, including Cumbria, Wiltshire, North Wales and Suffolk, also reported far fewer incidents, reflecting lower vehicle density and fewer escape routes for criminals. However, the most alarming finding for motorists was the continued failure to recover stolen vehicles.

Since 2022, police forces have retrieved only 45,195 vehicles, meaning almost nine out of 10 stolen cars have never been returned, experts warned. However, in some regions, they have fared better at retrieving stolen cars, with Staffordshire Police managing to recover nearly 50 per cent of stolen vehicles back, followed by Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

To help drivers avoid having their vehicle stolen, Geoffrey Fernandez, business owner of ACR Automobile, advised drivers to park in a busy area by a lamppost and never leave valuables on show.

Steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, and pedal locks can also help increase vehicle security, particularly during the Christmas period.

"Make stealing your Audi car take longer and look riskier," Mr Fernandez said. "Visible steering locks and layered tech will usually make thieves move on."

The study also identified some of the most targeted vehicles, with the Ford Fiesta topping the list, driven by high demand for stolen parts on the black market.

High-value models, including the Range Rover Sport, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Ford Ranger, have also featured prominently, with thieves often targeting them specifically for export.

Mr Welham urged drivers to take practical steps to protect their vehicles, warning that criminals often rely on weaknesses in keyless entry systems and onboard electronics. "Basic security still matters," he said.

"Using steering locks, installing driveway posts, keeping keys away from doors and windows, and fitting monitored tracking devices can all reduce your risk."