The Ford Fiesta, a popular choice among drivers with about 1.5 million on UK roads, has been identified as the most targeted car by thieves, according to new data released by Confused.com. Since January 2018, there have been 10,346 reported thefts of Ford Fiestas, averaging around 2,000 thefts per year, making it the top-targeted car in the UK. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf with 9,526 thefts and the BMW 3 Series with 9,148 thefts.
While the most stolen cars can differ by region in the UK, with the BMW X6 being the top target in London and a Ford Fiesta leading in Birmingham, car theft remains a significant issue nationwide. With more than 250,000 car thefts reported since January 2018, 1 in 5 UK drivers have experienced car theft, totaling about 7.6 million motorists, as per Confused.com’s research.
Furthermore, thieves have been employing various methods to carry out car thefts, such as hot-wiring (23%), smashing windows (22%), and even breaking into homes to steal keys (10%). Despite such challenges, nearly 87% of stolen cars were eventually recovered, some with the help of security footage and vehicle trackers.
As winter approaches and the risk of car theft heightens, experts advise drivers to use car theft prevention tools like steering locks, GPS trackers, and parking in secure locations. However, alarmingly, 28% of drivers admit to not using any additional security measures for their cars. Protecting vehicles from theft is not only crucial for preventing financial losses but also to maintain peace of mind for drivers.
Rhydian Jones, a motoring expert at Confused.com, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding cars from thieves and offers practical tips such as ensuring the car is locked, hiding valuables, investing in car security devices, and utilizing tracking systems. By taking proactive steps to secure their vehicles, drivers can reduce the risk of becoming targets for car theft and safeguard their property.