Top 10 most stolen cars in 2021 dominated by Ford Fiestas and Range Rovers

Ford Fiestas and Range Rovers dominate the Top 10 list of most stolen cars in 2021, and the Mitsubishi Outlander is the most stolen plug-in, according to DVLA data* analysed by car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco.

Up to 30th November 2021, 43,603 stolen cars have been reported by the police to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

That’s a car stolen from its owner every 11 minutes somewhere in the UK. The number of cars stolen in 2021 is likely to top the 46,876 figure registered during 2020, but will be significantly less than the 58,642 pinched during 2019, pre-pandemic.

DVLA data shows the Ford Fiesta Zetec (418) is the most stolen car in 2021. The Zetec turbo model (204) also appears in 8th position in the list. Seven of the top eight most stolen cars are Fiestas. The only other makes/models to appear in the Top 10 table are the Range Rover Sport HSE, Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic and the BMW 520D.

Just over 5% of cars stolen in 2021 to date have been plug-ins, with the police reporting 2,279 stolen plug-ins to the DVLA. The Mitsubishi Outlander 4H PHEV has topped the plug-in theft table. The following table shows the Top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2021 to date (figures up to 30th November).

The following table shows the Top 10 most stolen plug-in cars in 2021 to date (figures up to 30th November).

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison websiteLeaseLoco comments: “The Ford Fiesta may be about to lose its title as the best-selling car in the UK but it still retains the unenviable title as the most stolen car in Britain.

“While the Range Rover Sport, one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market, has been targeted by sophisticated criminal gangs who have the knowledge and keyless tech to gain entry. For car owners, 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.

“Always make sure your car 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 pouch to block radio signals from the keyless entry system.”