Do you own the vehicle that's currently most targeted by thieves? Spoiler alert: it's not a Range Rover

Daily Mail​

6 days ago

Car thieves are targeting a specific model at the moment - and it isn't Range Rovers.
A new study has revealed that despite a 4.5 per cent decline in motor thefts recorded last year, there's been an increase in newer vehicles being pinched.
The report raises yet more concerns about well-funded theft rings utilising new tech to breach security systems of the latest models - the ones you would assume are best protected against car crime.
It says stolen motor records held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show a 6.6 per cent jump in thefts of vehicles less than three years old between 2023 and 2024 - and there's one particular motor that's very much in the sights of organised gangs.
Toyota Hilux owners have been put on high alert to take as many security precautions as possible after the theft statistics showed a 549 per cent spike in examples up to three years old being stolen.
Some 584 of the pick-ups were reported stolen last year, the DLVA's database shows.
Local police forces have been reacting to the increase in reported Hilux thefts over recent months, urging owners - particularly farmers - to invest in vehicle trackers, steering wheel locks and additional CCTV coverage.
While the report is more bad news for the Japanese manufacturer - whose sister brand Lexus has been already named the most targeted mainstream car brand by thieves in 2024 - it will be welcomed by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which received praise for its efforts to reduce instances of thefts having invested millions upgrading its vehicle security systems in the last 18 months.
The Hilux is widely recognised as one of the most reliable motors on the planet.
The workhorse pick-up truck was made famous in the 2003 Top Gear series when an older example proved indestructible, even surviving tumbling from the top of a demolished block of flats.
But while the Hilux might have earned a durable reputation, the security systems in the latest generation car (launched in 2016) are far from impenetrable, according to the data.
And there is massive demand for the hard-wearing Toyota in regions where most UK stolen vehicles end up being shipped to.
The 4X4 is considered a prized asset particularly in Africa, where its reputation for dependability has made it hugely sought after but also prices inflated due to the high demand for both new and used models.
A report published earlier this year by the UK insurance industry's Thatcham Research stated that almost two in five (38.5 per cent) of all pinched motors from Britain are transported to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa.
Other top destinations listed in the report included the UAE, Cyprus, Jamaica and Georgia, driven by global shortages of car parts, high vehicle desirability and 'geopolitical disruption'.
Philip Swift, technical director of motor at QuestGates said: 'The increased targeting of the Toyota Hilux reflects changing criminal behaviour and the perceived value of and demand for specific models.
'We advise affected owners to take immediate steps to secure their vehicles.'
Police forces raise the alarm on Hilux thefts
And QuestGates isn't alone in encouraging Hilux drivers to take extra precaution.
Last summer, Bedfordshire Police urged owners sounded the alarm for Hilux owners when 11 were snatched overnight from addresses in Luton over a few days.
Nottinghamshire Police last year also put out a warning to keepers after seven Hilux pick-ups were stolen from various locations across the country - including Balderton, Farndon, Blyth and Newark - within months.
And earlier this year, North Yorkshire Police told Hilux owners - notably farmers and in rural communities - to 'take immediate steps' to secure their vehicles.
Toyota GB has told us it is rolling out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models being targeted, including Hilux, to help add a level of customer reassurance
Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, said in January: 'While no security system is foolproof, taking precautionary measures will significantly reduce the risk of theft or damage to your Toyota Hilux.
'More and more vehicles in our area being protected by trackers and other security systems, making life extremely difficult for thieves.
'By continuing to invest in high-quality crime prevention kit, parking in secure locations, and remaining vigilant, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is as well-protected as possible.'
Lund recommended owners install trackers to 'make it far more likely' that police will be able to find a stolen vehicle and well as use 'strong theft deterrents' including steering wheel locks, immobilisers and CCTV systems to ensure the pick-ups aren't an 'easy target'.
Kirsty Hyslop, vehicle crime specialist at NFU Mutual, said: 'Pick-ups like the Hilux are essential to farming operations, but their popularity makes them a prime target.
'We've seen both the number and cost of pick-up truck thefts rise in 2025.'
West Mercia Police also raised flags about Hilux thefts in the region, but also Ford Ranger pick-up, which have also been targeted by criminals in recent months.
Toyota investing £10million to tackle crimewave
This is Money approached Toyota Great Britain for comment about the worrying rise in Hilux thefts.
A spokesperson told us: 'For the past few years, there has been an industry-wide issue of vehicle theft in the UK, affecting the most popular models first.
'Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of solutions that help protect cars from theft. These include protective plates, immobilisers, blockers and trackers.
'As a vehicle manufacturer, we can never completely eliminate the risk of vehicle theft and, in order to further reduce the theft risk, we regularly collaborate and share information with insurance associations, police and law enforcement authorities, theft prevention experts and other key stakeholders around the world. This enables us to understand new threats and techniques used by thieves and develop more secured systems.
'When it comes to recovery of stolen vehicles, we conducted a trial last year, in conjunction with vehicle security experts, Tracker.
'At a cost of more than £10million to Toyota, selected customers were provided with a free tracking service.
'Unfortunately, some of those customers were targeted by criminals and their cars were stolen. As a result of the installation of tracking devices, though, a 96 per cent recovery rate was achieved.
'We are rolling out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models, including Hilux, to help add a level of customer reassurance.'
'Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering. Owners can contact their local dealer to establish whether or not their model would benefit from additional security devices and to discuss options and fitment.'
Better news for JLR
The QuestGates report heaped praise on JLR after DVLA theft data showed the brand's multi-million-pound investment in its vehicle security systems had paid dividends and seen its motors fall down the pecking order of most-pinched newer models.
Britain's biggest car maker last year pumped £15million into upgrading the anti-theft systems in its vehicles, providing a major software update for all models dating back to 2018 to ensure they had the latest protection to stave off the spike in motor crime.
It also handed a further £1million to police operations around UK ports to help infiltrate well-funded gangs shipping stolen motors out of the country.
'JLR deserve huge credit for security upgrades which are apparently highly effective in deterring the professional criminals who target new cars,' the loss adjusting and claims solutions group said
The massive investment came after a significant jump in thefts of its vehicles, particularly Range Rover, which at one point became uninsurable in London due to the high risk level of these cars.
But the new study showed its efforts - and investment - has been fruitful.
Thefts of Land Rover models saw 'substantial decreases', QuestGates said.
Less than three-year-old Range Rover Evoque thefts were down 77 per cent last year.
'JLR deserve huge credit for security upgrades which are apparently highly effective in deterring the professional criminals who target new cars,' Swift said.
'Fewer thefts mean fewer claims, lower costs and better outcomes for motor insurance policyholders.'
Regionally, thefts of vehicles less than three years old increased significantly in Bedfordshire, Essex and Warwickshire, while Greater Manchester recorded a notable 20 per cent reduction, the study revealed.
13 tips to beat the car thieves
This is Money has spoken to a number of experts across the field of vehicle security to create a list of 13 tips all car owners should follow to best protect their motors.
We've enlisted the help of Thatcham Research, AA President Edmund King and vehicle crime consultant Dr Ken German - previously head of technology at the Met stolen car squad with a PhD in International Vehicle Crime - to compile the ultimate list of car security tips:
1. Make sure your car is locked in the first place
This may seem obvious, but a large proportion of thefts are a result of the vehicle being left unlocked or criminals using signal jammers that block your key fob from communicating with the car's locks.
Drivers should always check the vehicle is locked and the windows are up after using a key fob. Listen for the locking noise and watch for the lights to flash and - if your car has them - automatic wing mirrors to fold.
2. Don't leave your car engine running to defrost windows
Freezing temperatures can tempt drivers into starting the car's engine to deice or defrost the windows, then returning to the warmth indoors until the windscreen is clear.
It might sound obvious but by leaving a vehicle unattended is a huge security risk, even if it's on your own private driveway. In fact, it is illegal to do this, and your insurer is unlikely pay out for any loss if your car is stolen as a result of this.
Thieves will be checking for stationary cars emitting exhaust smoke or that have wing mirrors that normally are folded in when locked but are clearly not.
3. Keep valuables out of sight
'Out of sight, out of mind'. Remove all valuables from your vehicle to make it less of a target to opportunistic thieves.
4. Do you have an alarm and immobiliser?
Ensure your vehicle has a Thatcham-certified alarm, immobiliser and tracking system fitted. Some insurance policies require the fitment of a tracking device, so it's important any associated subscriptions to monitoring services are maintained.
5. Mechanical security systems - like a steering lock - might seem 'old hat' but are a great deterrent
Steering wheel locks, gear clamps, wheel clamps and other traditional security systems can act as a strong visual deterrent against thieves.
6. Install a doorbell camera or CCTV at your home
Doorbell cameras and CCTV systems are becoming increasingly popular as both a deterrent for car crime and to catch thieves.
Make sure you invest in one that has a night vision mode and crisp HD resolution.
Motion-sensing driveway lighting can also be a strong deterrent.
7. If you have a garage, use it!
If you have a garage, try to make sure there is enough room for your car to fit into it, rather than using it for storage for all types of household clutter.
If you have multiple vehicles, almost prioritise the garage for the one of highest value - and park another car in front of the garage door as an extra precaution.
And if you have electric garage doors, do not keep the transponder inside the vehicle, such as in the glovebox. Victims have subsequently found this to be the reason for their property being burgled.
8. Think about where and how you park overnight
Most car thefts take place under the cloak of darkness, so this is the most important time to consider how secure your vehicle is.
If you don't have a garage but do have a driveway, always park tactically.
For instance, if you have a big driveway, park the car sideways to so any thief will need to manoeuvre it. If your driveway is smaller, park facing your house to increase the chances of you being alerted to the lights coming on. And park with the wheels turned on full lock to extend the time it takes for criminals to make a getaway. Even consider parking another less desirable car in front (or behind) your vehicle to prevent easy removal.
Those with driveways can also purchase lockable barriers to restrict access - and experts advise that a car cover is often a deterrent due to the time it takes to remove one and will look suspicious to neighbours and passersby.
If you do not have off-street parking, try to leave your car in a well-lit area - ideally with CCTV monitoring - and in a position that makes it difficult for a thief to move quickly.
Ken German tells us that some motorists are being extra inventive in their bid to protect their cars. Some previous victims are leaving mannequins in the driver's seat to dissuade unwanted visitors.
9. Check repair centre and bodyshop accreditation to avoid key cloning
If you need to leave your key with a garage or bodyshop, you should check that they are a member of an accredited code of practice/professional standard such as The Motor Ombudsman or The British Parking Association's Park Mark scheme.
This should reduce your chances of falling victim of key cloning.
Also, if you have purchased your vehicle second-hand with only one working key, visit an approved repair centre to have the missing key(s) deleted and add a spare as soon as possible.
10. Consider a dashcam or a car with theft alerts
Dashcams have grown in popularity in recent years, with motorists primarily using them to prove they were not at fault in a crash.
They also act as a great theft deterrent. This is because many of these devices will also record suspicious activity around your car is parked up and you're not in it.
However, make sure you buy one that uploads videos to cloud storage rather than saving it only a memory stick in the dash cam - because you will also lose this if your car is stolen.
Some modern vehicles now offer 'parking mode', which also can also detect and record movement when parked. This can be used as supporting evidence by your insurer and the police.
Many of these alerts will be powered via a smartphone app, so ensure you've activated the feature and turned on notifications.
11. Always wipe stored info from a car before you sell it
Some vehicle apps and connected systems can provide the previous owner with access.
If permissions remain active, ensure that all permissions and data linked to the previous owner are wiped.
12. 'Locust' thieves might strike twice
A new wave of 'locust thieves' exist today who strip cars whilst they're parked at the side of the road and even outside owners' homes.
Many people have woken up to find wheels, bonnets and grills and even doors missing from their cars rendering them undriveable. This is because these parts are becoming more valuable since the pandemic with factory closures and slowdowns meaning some components are not as readily available from manufacturers as pre-Covid.
For instance, a Porsche headlight can be worth up to £1,000 today, which has driven a rise in these parts being stolen. Wing mirrors for top of the range vehicles are also easy-to-steal high-value components.
Ken German warns that falling victim to locust thieves might not be the end of the story. He says owners who have had parts pinched from their car should check around and under the vehicle to ensure thieves have not fitted a tracking device so they can track when the motor is not being used and return at a later date to attempt to steal it.
13. Be aware of scam crash tactics deployed to steal cars
While carjacking still exists today, it is not as prevalent in the UK as it is in some other countries, such as South Africa.
That said, if you are in a high value vehicle you would be wise to drive with the doors locked in traffic.
Also drive defensively when in a queue leaving enough space in front for you to get out of a tight spot should you need to.
If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over and find somewhere safe where there are people. If you're suspicious don't unlock the door and call the police.