If you’re in your early 20s and drive a car, there’s something you should know: Gen Z drivers are the most likely to have their cars stolen, according to new research.
Nearly 1 in 12 UK drivers (7%) have had their car stolen in the past five years—but for 17–24-year-olds, the numbers are way worse. Their cars are 36 times more likely to be stolen than those owned by people over 55 (18% vs. just 0.5%).
Why? Mostly because younger drivers tend to take fewer security precautions. Cost and lack of awareness play a role—only 42% of Gen Z drivers say they always lock their cars and never leave valuables inside. Just 27% have an alarm or immobiliser, and 9% admit to taking no security measures at all.
In contrast, older drivers are much more cautious. About three-quarters (74%) always lock up and take their valuables with them. Half rely on in-built security features, and 44% have alarms or immobilisers installed.
Keyless cars are especially at risk—62% of thefts in the last five years involved them. And with the average car theft costing nearly £6,000, it's not just an inconvenience—it’s a serious financial hit. Even a break-in (without the car being stolen) results in an average loss of £472.
Certain brands are also targeted more often. The most stolen car brands in the UK over the past five years are:
- BMW (25%)
- Audi (15%)
- Ford (12%)
- Toyota (10%)
- Kia (9%)
- Citroen (8%)
- Mercedes-Benz (4%)
- Nissan (3%)
- Lexus (2%)
- Peugeot (2%)
Car theft is now so common—with over 60,000 cases reported in 2024—that two-thirds of drivers say they think about the risk when buying a new car. Around 38% even admit to choosing a less flashy car to avoid becoming a target.
London tops the list of car theft hotspots, with 11% of stolen cars coming from the capital. It’s followed by Sheffield and Brighton (9% each), and Cardiff and Glasgow (8% each). Unsurprisingly, Londoners are more anxious about theft—20% think their car is likely to be stolen, compared to the national average of 13%.
Most drivers are taking insurance seriously. Around 77% opt for fully comprehensive cover, and 62% actively shop around at renewal time. Only 5% admit to not thinking about car insurance at all.
If you’re worried about theft, it might be time to think about beefing up your car’s security—and your insurance.
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