Ford drivers beware, thieves stole more of the American make’s cars last year than any other, stats show.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) says there were thefts of 48,400 motors in 2021, an increase from 2020 when there were 46,800.
And the most targeted vehicles were Ford Fiestas, with 3,909 disappearing from driveways and roads.
Focuses were the third most stolen with 1,912 going missing.
The second most nicked were Land Rover Range Rovers (3,754) with VW Golfs in fourth (1,755) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (1,474) in fifth, according to Mail Online.
Clive Wain, head of police liaison for Tracker, told the publication the increase in car thefts was likely pandemic related.
He said: “The lack of parts for new car manufacturing resulted in a surge of sales in the second-hand car market, creating a lucrative business for car thieves to fill the shortage.
“Prestige models have always been the go-to for criminals who exploit the demand for these desirable cars in territories like Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“We are continuously intercepting shipping containers packed with stolen vehicles at ports around the country and 2021 was no different. However, due to the pandemic lower value cars have also seen an increase in theft rates.”
The rest of the top 10 cars stolen last year were BMW 3 Series (1,464), Land Rover Discovery (1,260), Vauxhall Corsa (1,218), Vauxhall Astra (1,096) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (818).
LeaseLoco chief executive John Wilmot said the figures show just how important it is for people to take extra precautions to securely lock their car.
He said: "The Ford Fiesta may be about to lose its title as the best selling car in the UK but it still retains the unenviable title as the most stolen car in Britain.
“While the Range Rover Sport, one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market, has been targeted by sophisticated criminal gangs who have the knowledge and keyless tech to gain entry."
He said: "If you take the right precautions you can avoid becoming a victim of car thieves - and that goes for any car owners.
"Always make sure your car is locked before you walk away and check that it’s locked at night.
"Think about upgrading the security on your car; this could include fitting an alarm, immobiliser and tracking system."
