Vehicle Crime Statistics 2025
In a Hurry? Here's the Key Info
- Vehicle-related theft down 13% (747,000 → 649,000 offences).
- Theft from vehicles down 12%, but vehicle interference/tampering up 2%.
- Keyless cars twice as likely to be stolen.
- 68% of stolen vehicles are never recovered.
- Van theft rising; projected 20,000 stolen annually by 2030.
Vehicle Crime Statistics in the UK - 2026
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) Crime in England and Wales dataset (published October 2025) shows that vehicle-related theft has continued to fall overall, but certain types of vehicle crime—especially attacks on keyless vehicles, vans, and high-value models—are rising.
Key UK Vehicle Crime Stats 2024–2025
- Vehicle-related theft decreased by 13% (747,000 → 649,000 offences).
- Theft from a vehicle fell by 12%, according to AA Insurance Services.
- Vehicle interference/tampering increased by 2%.
- Keyless cars are twice as likely to be stolen.
- 68% of stolen vehicles are never recovered, based on ONS return-rate data.
- Van theft is rising, with projections of 20,000 vans stolen annually by 2030 (DVLA/industry estimates).
Key Definitions
- Theft of a vehicle: the vehicle is stolen
- Theft from a vehicle: something is stolen from a vehicle
Is Vehicle Crime Increasing in the UK?
Vehicle crime levels fluctuate year to year, but recent data shows car theft and theft from vehicles remain a significant issue in many UK areas, particularly in urban locations.
Keytek monitors vehicle crime trends to help drivers understand risks and improve vehicle security.
What are the Most Common Types of Vehicle Crime?
The most common vehicle crimes include theft of vehicles, theft from vehicles, and attempted theft, often targeting vulnerable locks, keys, or insecure parking locations.
Which Vehicles are Most Commonly Targeted?
Vehicles with keyless entry systems, older locking mechanisms, or high-value parts are more likely to be targeted by criminals. Keytek locksmiths often assist drivers affected by vehicle lock and key-related crime.
Summary: Theft OF vs Theft FROM Vehicles
Category | Theft Vehicle | Theft FROM Vehicle |
Occurs mostly at night | Yes (51%) | Yes (49%) |
Main location | Semi-private home (44%) | Semi-private home / street (45% / 34%) |
Common entry method | Signal manipulation (58%) | Door left unlocked (54%) |
Typical value stolen | £15,000+ | Under £50 |
Emotional impact | High | Low |
Avg. seriousness rating | 10/20 | 5/20 |
Vehicle Theft in the UK (2025): Theft “Of” a Vehicle
The Time of Day Cars Are Most Commonly Stolen
Factor | Data |
Most common time | Night (51%, between 00:00–06:00) |
Most common day | Weekdays (68%) |
Most common lighting condition | Darkness (72%) |
Where Are Vehicles Most Commonly Stolen From?
Location | Percentage (%) |
Semi-private home (driveway, garage, private car park) | 44% |
Street | 15% |
Workplace car park | 6% |
How Are Vehicles Most Commonly Stolen?
Method | Percentage (%) |
Signal manipulation of remote locking (relay attack) | 58% |
Key or electronic fob used | 18% |
Forced lock / attempted force | 13% |
Typical Value of Vehicles Stolen
Value Band | Percentage (%) |
£15,000+ | 43% |
£5,000–£9,999 | 22% |
£1,000–£4,999 | 17% |
Vehicle Theft in the UK (2026): Theft “From” a Vehicle
When Do Thefts from Vehicles Occur?
Factor | Data |
Most common time | Night (49%) |
Most common day | Weekdays (74%) |
Most common lighting condition | Darkness (78%) |
Where Do Thefts from Vehicles Occur?
Location | Percentage (%) |
Semi-private home (driveways, garages) | 45% |
Home street parking | 34% |
Workplace car park | 6% |
Street (other) | 6% |
How Do Thieves Gain Entry to Cars?
Method | Percentage (%) |
Door not locked | 54% |
Forced lock / attempted | 15% |
Window broken / attempted | 15% |
What Are the Most Commonly Stolen Cars in the UK (2026)?
According to the ONS and DVLA data for 2023–2025, these are the most stolen makes and models:
Top 5 Most Stolen Cars (2023 -2025)
Rank | Car Make & Model | Thefts 2023 | Thefts 2025 | % Increase or Decrease |
1 | Ford Fiesta | 5,976 | 4,446 | -29% |
2 | Volkswagen Golf | 2,038 | 1,731 | -16% |
3 | Ford Focus | 2,120 | 1,700 | -21% |
4 | Toyota RAV4 | 1,169 | 1,260 | -7% |
5 | BMW 3 Series | 1,1466 | 1,370 | -6% |
Why Are These Models Targeted?
- Ford Fiesta – high on-road volume, module-level vulnerabilities, and highly resellable parts.
- Volkswagen Golf – popular nationwide, with older versions lacking anti-theft tech and newer cars vulnerable to relay attacks.
- Ford Focus – especially ST/RS models; quick to dismantle, high parts demand.
- Toyota RAV4 – commonly targeted for CAN-bus attacks (older models), and valued for overseas resale.
- BMW 3 Series – profitable parts, high export demand, and susceptible to digital key theft.
Stolen Vehicles, Recovery and Damage Costs
All details taken form Nature of crime: vehicle-related theft.
Return Rates
- 68% of stolen vehicles are never recovered
Cost of Damages
Cost Band | Percentage (%) |
£100–£499 | 42% |
Under £50 | 21% |
£500–£999 | 15% |
Items Most Commonly Stolen from Vehicles
Category | Percentage (%) |
Valuables (wallets, bags, documents) | 35% |
Exterior fittings | 22% |
Other vehicle parts | 13% |
Tools | 12% |
Electrical equipment (sat-navs, laptops, etc.) | 7% |
Which UK Cities Have the Highest Vehicle Crime Rates (2026)?
(As of July 2025 – Vehicle Crime Rate per 1,000 residents).
Rank | City/Town | Crime Rate per 1,000 | % Increase/Decrease (Sep 2024 – Aug 2025) |
1 | Doncaster | 11.7 | + 9.3% |
2 | Outer-London | 11.3 | - 15.7% |
3 | Brimingham | 11.1 | - 14% |
4 | Basildon | 10.9 | + 3% |
5 | Slough | 9.8 | - 19.1% |
As of August 2025, Doncaster, Outer-London, and Birmingham had the highest vehicle related crime rates.
Doncaster
Doncaster has seen a rise in vehicle crime with 11.7 crimes per 1000. This is about 218% ratio of the national crime rate (England and Wales, 5.4 crimes per 1000). With an overall crime rate of 162.2 per thousand, vehicle crime only makes up 7.3% of all crime committed, ranking it the highest place for vehicle crime in England and Wales.
Outer-London
Though vehicle crime in Outer-London is declining, it is still the second highest place for vehicle crime in the England and Wales; it is also the third most common crime in Outer-London. 211% ratio of the national crime rate, Outer-London has a current overall crime rate of 125.9 crimes per 1,000.
Because vehicle crime in London is on the rise, it is critical that you keep your car secure if you live in or near the city. Read our blogs for the best advice on how to keep your car safe and out of trouble, such as ‘Top Anti-Theft Devices for your Car’ and many more.
Brimingham
Like Outer-London, Birmingham’s top three crimes include vehicle crime and is declining. Despite this, Brimingham is still the 3rd highest place in the UK for vehicle crime, with nearly 161% ratio of the national crime rate. The current crime rate for Birmingham city is 135.3 crimes per 1000, giving it the second highest crime rate per 1000 on the list.
What Are the Most Dangerous UK Counties for Vehicle Theft?
Rank | City/Town | Crime Rate per 1,000 | % Increase/Decrease (Sep 2024 – Aug 2025) |
1 | London | 10 | + 14.5% |
2 | West Midlands | 9.9 | - 17.4% |
3 | Bristol | 8.1 | - 22.1% |
4 | Bedfordshire | 8 | - 6% |
5 | West Yorkshire | 7 | - 11.5% |
As of August 2025, London, West Midlands, and Bristol had the highest vehicle crime rates by county.
London
The region has the highest vehicle crime rate in England and Wales, thought declining, it is still 187% ratio of the national crime rate, with a 10-crime rate per 1000 people for vehicle crime. The total number of “vehicle crime” is 86.1k, and this number has decreased by 13.9%; compared year-over-year in the period of October 2024 to September 2025.
West Midlands
The 3rd highest crime in the west midlands, its vehicle crime rate is 9.9 crimes 1000 people, making up 8.3% of the county’s crime. Compared to the national crime rate, the West midlands are 184%, with a total of 27.1K ‘vehicle crimes’ reported.
Bristol
Ranking 3rd for highest in vehicle crime rate out of 54 counties, Bristol County county’s rate is 150% ratio of national crime rate. Making up 5.7% of Bristol County’s crimes with a total number of reported crimes off 4.0K.
Which UK Cities Are Safest from Vehicle Crime? (2026)
Rank | City/Town | Crime Rate per 1,000 | % Increase/Decrease (Sep 2024 – Aug 2025) |
1 | Chester | 1.3 | - 33% |
2 | Exeter | 1.7 | - 12.8% |
3 | Southport | 2 | - 29.8% |
4 | Carlisle | 2.3 | - 2.1% |
5 | Shrewsbury | 2.4 | + 13.8% |
As of August 2025, Chester, Exeter, and Southport had the lowest vehicle crime rates by city.
Chester
Chester is one of the safest places to have a vehicle. Despite a higher than national average crime rate at 102 crimes per 1000, it has the lowest crime rate in England and Wales. Making up 24% (1.3) of the national crime rate (5.4), the total crime volume is 118.
Exeter
Making up 32% (1.7) of the national crime rate, with a total reported crime volume of 245, it has low vehicle crime. Exter also has above average crime rate of 112 crimes per 1000.
Southport
With a total reported crime volume of 159 and making up 2.1% of the city’s crimes, Southport if a good place to have a vehicle. Only 35% (1.9) of the national crime rate for vehicle crime, Southport also benefits from a slightly above average crime rate at 92 crimes per 1000.
How Have Vehicle Crime Trends Changed in 2023–2025?
Rank | Make | Model | No. Stolen in 2023 | No. Stolen in 2024 | % Increase/ Decrease (Sep 2024 – Aug 2025) |
1 | Ford | Fiesta | 5,976 | 4,446 | - 29.36% |
2 | Volkswagen | Golf | 2,038 | 1,731 | - 16.29% |
3 | Ford | Focus | 2,120 | 1,700 | - 21.99% |
4 | Toyota | RAV4 | 1,169 | 1,260 | - 7.49% |
5 | BMW | 3 Series | 1,207 | 1,371 | + 12.72% |
Overall Trends
- Vehicle theft down 13%, but…
- Keyless theft and digital relay attacks increasing.
- Van theft rising year-on-year.
- Luxury vehicle theft remains stable or increasing, especially Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most stolen cars in the UK (2023–2025)?
The Ford Fiesta remains the most stolen car, followed by the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Toyota RAV4, and BMW 3 Series.
Which UK cities have the highest vehicle crime rates in 2025?
Doncaster, Outer London, and Birmingham.
Which UK cities are safest from vehicle crime?
London, West Midlands, and Bristol.
How many cars are stolen each year in the UK?
Around 649,000 vehicle-related thefts were reported in the year to June 2025 (ONS).
How are vehicle crime trends changing?
Overall thefts are declining, but keyless theft, van theft, and luxury vehicle theft continue to rise.
Which UK cities are safest from vehicle crime?
Chester, Exeter, and Southport.