Revealed: The 10 vehicles most likely to be stolen as thefts soar – The Independent
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More than 80,000 vehicles stolen between January and September this year, according to new data
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A vehicle was stolen once every five minutes in England and Wales between January and September 2025, according to new research which has also revealed the cars most likely to be targeted by thieves.
Data obtained by Co-op Insurance found that more than 80,000 vehicles were recorded as stolen in England and Wales in the first nine months of this year – an 11 per cent rise compared with the same period in 2024, according to the business.
The Metropolitan Police jurisdiction area of London had the highest incidences of vehicle theft with 24,211 recorded during the period, followed by the West Midlands, which had over 13,000 incidents across the region in the first nine months of the year, according to the data.
Despite a smaller population, the West Midlands had more incidences than both the North West and Yorkshire. In Wales 3,729, vehicles were reported as stolen between January and September, which marked a 70 per cent rise in the number of thefts in this region compared to the first nine months of 2024.
Data from the DVLA, obtained through a freedom of information request by Co-op Insurance, also reveals that the most commonly stolen vehicles were the Yamaha Nmax 125 motorbike, Ford Transit 350 and the Toyota Hilux invincible in both 2024 and 2025.
Following this, the Honda WV 125-A was the next most stolen vehicle in 2025, replacing the Mercedes Sprinter 313 van, which had been the fourth most stolen last year.
Paul Evans, head of motor at Co-op Insurance said: “From the family cars to vans for small businesses, vehicles are an essential part of everyday life, so it’s crucial that they are kept safe and secure, particularly during the winter months.
“Unfortunately, our research indicates that there has been a significant number of vehicle thefts so far this year and amid the darker nights, it’s vital that drivers take precautions to keep their vehicles secure.
“Whether it’s installing security features or protecting keys in ‘Faraday pouches’, it’s important to take steps to keep vehicles safe as they will serve to keep criminals at bay and help to ensure that drivers can enjoy greater peace of mind.”
A spokesperson for the Met Police, said: “We are focused on tackling vehicle crime and recognise the impact on victims and communities.
“Through targeted operations and increased patrols in hotspot areas, we have reduced vehicle crime by 14 per cent since the start of the 2025.
“All incidents reported to us are assessed to ensure lines of enquiry, including forensic opportunities, are progressed to identify and hold offenders to account.”
Co-op Insurance has also shared the following tips to help drivers keep their vehicle safe this winter:
At Home:
In a car park:
Parking on the road:
Hide valuables:
Place keys wisely:
Show signs of security:
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