Most stolen cars in the UK revealed - see if yours is on the list of targeted models

The soon to be discontinued Ford Fiesta is the most stolen car this year, DVLA data reveals.

A total of 5,724 Ford Fiestas - set to come off the market mid 2023 - have been stolen in the UK in 2022.

Though the model was also the best selling car last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SSMT).

The second most stolen car, meanwhile, is the Land Rover Range Rover - with 5,209 taken this year.

Coming in third is the Ford Focus - 2,048 have been stolen in 2022 so far.

The data was revealed after Rivervale Leasing submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA.

The Ford Fiesta is the most stolen car in the UK in 2022 (Getty Images)

Here are the 15 most stolen models and how many have been taken by thieves this year.

1. Ford Fiesta - 5,724
2. Land Rover Range Rover - 5,209
3. Ford Focus - 2,048
4. Volkswagen Golf - 1,959
5. Land Rover Discovery - 1,778
6. Vauxhall Corsa - 1,268
7. Vauxhall Astra - 1,215
8. Mercedes-Benz C Class - 981
9. AUDI A3 - 805
10. Ford Ecosport - 656
11. Volkswagen Polo - 623
12. Nissan Qashqai - 580
13. Ford Kuga - 569
14. Toyota Yaris - 558
15. Audi A4 - 534

The Land Rover Range Rover is the second most stolen car in the UK this year (Getty Images)

Vince Pemberton, CEO and automotive expert at Rivervale, said keyless car theft, known as relay theft, is becoming increasingly common.

"This is where people take advantage of keyless entry, using a device to capture the signal sent to the car," he explained.

“It’s hard to prevent but you can help reduce your chances of being a victim by storing your keys in a pouch or box designed to block the signal. A steering lock and additional car alarm can also help to stop thieves from accessing and stealing your car.

“Finally, keep an eye out for people lurking around, especially when leaving your vehicle. If you think someone is a threat, notify the police.”

The Ford Focus is the third most stolen car in 2022 (Getty Images)

Seven expert tips to protect your vehicle from theft

To protect your car from being stolen, Rivervale Leasing has shared some more handy advice from motoring experts.

1. Ensure you’ve locked your car - the most simple is the most effective when you leave your car, make sure to lock it - don’t rely on automatic locking

2. Don’t keep your keys by your door - put your keys out of the view of the front door to help reduce the chance of opportunist thieves

3. Leave your car in gear with the wheel on the curb - turning against a curb can help prevent your car from being towed

4. Fit a tracker - to help if your car is stolen, you can fit a tracker to make it easier for the police to recover it

5. Install a visible security camera - having a camera in view looking towards your car will help to deter thieves from your home

6. Carefully choose where you park - avoid parking in a car park, especially at night, if it doesn’t have adequate lighting, CCTV and is quiet

7. Don’t leave your documents in the car - make sure you don’t leave your logbook, service records, etc. in your vehicle as it can make it easier for your car to be sold