The UK's most stolen cars revealed 

New DVLA figures reveal what cars were at the top of thieves' shopping lists in 2026, with the Nissan Juke Tekna CVT taking the number one spot.

Keyless entry was behind most of these thefts, which means it's time to think differently about car security. So how do you stop your key fob giving criminals an easy way in? And how else can you keep your car secure?

The UK’s most stolen cars

The Nissan Juke Tekna CVT has taken the top spot as the UK's most stolen car in 2026, ending the Ford Fiesta's long run in first place. Let's take a look at how each car model compares and how much has changed since 2025:

Top 20 most stolen cars in 2026:*

^{*Data source: DVLA Freedom of Information response (ref FOIR13557), obtained by Confused.com, covering January–June 2026}

Top 20 most stolen cars in 2025:*

^{*Data source: DVLA Freedom of Information response (ref FOIR13557), obtained by Confused.com, covering January–June 2025}

From the data, we can see there's been a distinct shift in which car models are being targeted by thieves, with the Ford Fiesta finally losing its number one position.

This may, in part, be due to the rapid rise in keyless entry theft. The standard Ford Fiesta Zetec uses a traditional physical ignition key, while the Nissan Juke Tekna CVT is a keyless car.

Car theft is falling - what the data shows

The total DVLA-recorded car thefts fell from 27,831 in 2025 to 25,050 in 2026. That's roughly a 10% year-on-year decrease.

While this is good news, it's important to note that this is DVLA-recorded theft data from a six-month window, not a complete and definitive annual national crime stat.

So, even though the numbers look positive, a single half-year comparison doesn't confirm a sustained trend.

Why are modern hybrids and EVs climbing the most-stolen list?

When we look at the data, we can see that the models rising to the top of the list are cars with keyless entry systems - prime targets for relay attack theft.

Relay attacks now account for the vast majority of modern vehicle theft. Thieves use electronic signal amplifiers to trick a car into thinking a key fob is nearby. This lets thieves silently unlock the car and drive away.

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How can I protect my car from theft?

To keep your car secure and to protect against keyless car theft, you have several options including:

• Using a faraday pouch
• Buying a steering or wheel lock
• Investing in CCTV or smart doorbells
• Making your car easier to identify

The Metropolitan Police advises using an electronic car key security pouch – known as a faraday pouch. The pouch blocks the keyless signal when the fob is inside it.

When storing your keys, keep them out of sight. It’s not unusual for thieves to use a tool and fish for them through a letterbox.

Alarms and immobilisers are usually fitted as standard for new vehicles. You can also give your car a distinct mark that can be used to identify it.

Though they can’t stop signals being intercepted, tracker systems can increase the chances of your car being recovered and returned to the police. Wain says:

What do I do if my car is stolen?

If your car is stolen, the first thing to do is call the police. Dial 101, ask to be put through to your local police station and tell them exactly what has happened. You need the following details:

• The vehicle’s registration number
• The make and model
• The colour of the car
• Any details you can give about when and where it was stolen

You should be given a crime reference number. You’ll need this when speaking to your car insurer. The police will tell DVLA about the theft and they’ll tell it if the car is found.

After you’ve spoken to the police, call your insurance company. They should guide you through how you make a car insurance claim. You need to give your insurer as much detail as possible about the theft. It helps to have your insurance documents with you, including your policy number.

If your car isn’t found and you make a car insurance claim, you need to tell the DVLA. This is because technically the car has been sold to the insurance company. At the same time, you may need to give your log book to the insurance company.

How do I check if the vehicle I’m buying has been stolen?

A vehicle history check should tell you if the vehicle you’re intending to buy has been stolen. It should also bring up records of a car’s MOT and service history.

A vehicle history check typically looks at these points:

• The car’s MOT history
• Registered keeper changes
• Outstanding finance
• Stolen/recovered check
• Import and export history
• Engine number and vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Write-off report
• V5C logbook check
• Previous sales history
• Estimated mileage
• Vehicle specifications
• Number of plate changes
• Previous colours

Frequently asked questions

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