Revealed: The 10 vehicles most likely to be stolen as thefts soar
A vehicle was stolen every five minutes in England and Wales between January and September 2025, according to new research which also reveals the cars most likely to be targeted by thieves.
Data obtained by Co-op Insurance has revealed that more than 80,000 vehicles were recorded as stolen in England and Wales in the first nine months of this year; This is an 11 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the business.
The London Metropolitan Police jurisdiction had the highest number of vehicle thefts recorded during the period, with 24,211 incidents recorded during the period, followed by the West Midlands with more than 13,000 incidents across the region in the first nine months of the year, the data shows.
Despite a smaller population, the West Midlands has had more cases than both the North West and Yorkshire. 3,729 vehicles were reported stolen in Wales between January and September; This represents a 70 percent increase in the number of burglaries in this region compared to the first nine months of 2024.
Independent It has approached the Metropolitan Police and the DVLA for comment.
DVLA data obtained through a freedom of information request from Co-op Insurance reveals that the top stolen vehicles in both 2024 and 2025 are the Yamaha Nmax 125 motorcycle, Ford Transit 350 and Toyota Hilux Invincible.
Following this, the Honda WV 125-A became the second most stolen vehicle in 2025, replacing the Mercedes Sprinter 313 minibus, which was the fourth most stolen vehicle last year.
The most stolen brand and model in 2025
- Yamaha GPD125-A NMAX 125 ABS – Motorcycle
- Ford Transit 350 – Pickup Truck
- Toyota Hilux Invincib X D-4D4WD DCB A – Car
- Honda WW 125-A – Motorcycle
- Nissan Navara Tekna DCI AUTO – Car
- Ford Fiesta Zetec – Car
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314CDI – Minibus
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 CDI – Minibus
- Ford Transit 350 Leader ECOBLUE – Van
- Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT – Car
Paul Evans, motor vehicle manager at Co-op Insurance, said: “From family cars to small business vans, vehicles are an essential part of everyday life, so keeping them safe and secure is crucial, especially during the winter months.
“Unfortunately, our research shows that there have been a significant number of vehicle thefts so far this year and it is vital that drivers take precautions to keep their vehicles safe on dark nights.
“Whether it’s installing security features or enclosing keys in ‘Faraday bags’, it’s important to take steps to keep vehicles safe as they will help keep criminals away and give drivers greater peace of mind.”
Co-op Insurance also shared the following tips to help drivers keep their vehicles safe this winter:
At home:
- Driveways and garages may be the safest places to park your vehicle.
- Park as close to the house as possible.
- Park in line with a large window.
In a parking lot:
- Maneuvering may take longer, but park as close to other vehicles as possible. Another important tip is to turn your wheels towards surrounding vehicles in the parking lot or towards the curb if you are parked on the road.
Parking on the road:
- If you’re leaving your car on the main road, consider parking under streetlights.
- If you’re parking outside a cafe or restaurant, try to park in a spot with a window.
Hide valuables:
- If possible, take valuables such as a satellite navigation device, mobile phone, wallet and cash with you, or if not possible, place them safely out of sight. This also includes debris left over from valuables, including ring marks from a satellite navigation, mobile phone packaging or coins.
- Keep bags and coats out of sight. Remember to remove all paperwork, including your name and address.
Place keys wisely:
- While at home, avoid leaving keys near doors, open windows, or somewhere easily visible.
- If your vehicle uses keyless entry, consider purchasing a ‘Faraday bag’ where you can store your keys. Faraday bags help prevent vehicle theft by blocking the radio signals that keyless entry systems rely on.
Show signs of safety:
- Extra safety signs are a good idea if you’re leaving your vehicle unattended.
- Installing a tracker will help the police find him in the worst case scenario.
- Consider installing a steering lock and warning stickers.
