Car theft is on the rise across the UK, and a new study has revealed the top hotspots where your car is most at risk. Leading the pack is the West Midlands, where thousands of stolen cars were recovered by police last year.
In total, over 34,000 stolen vehicles were taken off UK roads in 2024, according to data from National Scrap Car via Freedom of Information requests to police forces.
The top 10 car theft hotspots in the UK:
| Rank | Region | Stolen Cars | % of All Seized Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Midlands Police | 5,413 | 22.4% |
| 2 | Greater Manchester Police | 3,757 | 18.0% |
| 3 | South Yorkshire Police | 2,909 | 25.6% |
| 4 | West Yorkshire Police | 2,788 | 13.4% |
| 5 | Essex Police | 2,495 | 22.1% |
| 6 | Beds, Herts & Cambs Police | 2,219 | 13.2% |
| 7 | Kent Police | 1,690 | 19.5% |
| 8 | Staffordshire Police | 1,241 | 15.0% |
| 9 | Northamptonshire Police | 1,229 | 10.1% |
| 10 | South Wales Police | 1,206 | 13.4% |
The West Midlands alone accounted for more than 1 in 5 stolen cars seized in the UK, and the region also has a crime rate 17 percent higher than the national average.
Why are cars being seized?
It’s not just theft. While stolen vehicles are a big part of the picture, police also seized:
- 84,000 plus cars for no insurance or no valid licence
- 53,000 plus cars after serious road accidents
Greater Manchester had the highest number of cars taken for insurance and licence issues, while Beds, Herts, and Cambs saw the most seized after crashes.
What happens to all these cars?
Some drivers get their stolen cars back. But many vehicles, especially if they’re wrecked or unclaimed, end up auctioned or scrapped.
How to avoid becoming a stat
No one wants to deal with a stolen car or have it impounded over paperwork. Here’s how to stay safe and keep your car where it belongs:
- Make sure your insurance and licence are up to date
- Park in well-lit or secure places
- Use a steering wheel lock or other physical deterrents
- Install a GPS tracker
- If your car’s keyless, use a Faraday pouch to block signal hacks
- Consider an engine immobiliser for added security
Is your car a target?
According to DVLA data:
- Ford Fiestas were the most stolen model in 2024 with 4,719 taken
- Owners of Abarth and Lexus cars are particularly at risk, with odds of theft as high as 1 in 39 for some models
Car theft isn’t just something that happens to other people. Whether you’re driving a brand-new ride or something a little older, it’s worth making sure you’re covered and protected.
