Recent reports have revealed a surge in car thefts across England and Wales, with certain parts of England being especially affected.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), motor vehicle thefts in England and Wales reached a record high of 130,521 reported incidents in 2023, up from 89,390 in the year ending December 2022. This figure marks a significant increase from the DVLA’s 2004 report that said the risk of vehicle theft was very low, or “about once every 77 years.”

Experts at CarMats have ranked the areas in England and Wales with the highest theft rates, with the West Midlands emerging as the worst region overall. Five of the top ten cities with the highest theft rates were in this region. 

Two of the UK’s biggest cities, Manchester and Birmingham, are also in the rankings. Meanwhile, London didn’t make it to the top per se, as its data were based on boroughs, with Ilford in the east recording a significant rate of 0.34 percent.

Solihull claims the top spot, with a theft rate of 0.45 percent. Birmingham ranks second at 0.37 percent, followed by Slough in Berkshire in third (0.36 percent),  Wolverhampton in fourth (0.36 percent). Harlow, Sutton Coldfield, Coventry and Bristol also saw worrying rates, ranging from 0.29 percent to 0.33 percent. 

Regions in the far north of England and Wales boasted the lowest car theft rates, with none appearing in the top ten most affected areas. The South West also fared well, with only Bristol making the top ten, albeit in the tenth position.

Top targeted models

For the car models most targeted by car theft in the UK, home security equipment provider ADT lists the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Golf. Encouragingly for Jaguar Land Rover, Range Rover thefts saw a significant decline between October 2022 and September 2023.

The popularity of the Ford Fiesta seems to have made it a prime target for car thefts in the UK. As the nation’s best-selling car, over 6,000 of this model were stolen within the period.

Sharing the fate of the Fiesta, the Ford Focus, another popular choice for the Brits (with an estimated 1.3 million on the road), was also a prime target among thieves. Over 2,200 Focuses were stolen within the same timeframe.

Completing the unfortunate top three for car thefts is the Volkswagen Golf, another common sight on British roads, as it is the fourth most owned car. Over the same period, more than 2,100 Golfs were stolen.

The rest of the list includes models such as the Vauxhall Corsa and Astra, Toyota Rav4, and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

Keeping cars safe

Keeping a car safe starts with choosing a secure parking spot. While secure car parks can be expensive, side streets and cheaper options can become significantly riskier. Car owners hesitant about a particular car park can check Google Maps reviews before committing.

It is advisable that car owners avoid leaving any valuables visible inside the vehicle, even for short periods. Items like wallets, phones, sat navs, and cash can act as temptations for thieves. 

Consider additional security measures. Installing a steering wheel lock or a visible alarm system can be a strong deterrent. Additionally, CCTV cameras in the garage or driveway can provide crucial evidence for police in case it is stolen.

Car security goes beyond just the vehicle itself. Security firms like Marengo offer comprehensive security solutions, including home security measures alongside car theft prevention techniques. This layered approach can provide peace of mind for those looking to minimise theft risks.