West Midlands car thefts: Top 20 most stolen brands revealed with around 250 taken each month

Car thieves in the West Midlands stole more Fords than any other car brand in the last year, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has revealed.

Almost 3,000 were stolen in the West Midlands in 2024, new figures the PCC is publishing today show – which is a slight reduction on the number stolen last year.

Instead, thieves are increasingly turning their attention to Toyota, BMW, Jaguar and Nissan, all of which have seen an increase in the numbers stolen in the last year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, releases the police data annually, to highlight the issue and to ensure vehicle manufacturers go further and faster, to improve vehicle security.

Top 20 stolen brands in the West Midlands:

Ford

• 2023: 2,980 stolen (18 per 1,000)
• 2024: 2,948 stolen (18 per 1,000)
• Change: -1%

Toyota

• 2023: 585 stolen (8 per 1,000)
• 2024: 1,021 stolen (13 per 1,000)
• Change: +75%

Mercedes

• 2023: 1,123 stolen (17 per 1,000)
• 2024: 893 stolen (13 per 1,000)
• Change: -20%

BMW

• 2023: 688 stolen (9 per 1,000)
• 2024: 883 stolen (11 per 1,000)
• Change: +28%

Nissan

• 2023: 540 stolen (9 per 1,000)
• 2024: 856 stolen (13 per 1,000)
• Change: +59%

Land Rover

• 2023: 1,119 stolen (43 per 1,000)
• 2024: 774 stolen (32 per 1,000)
• Change: -31%

Audi

• 2023: 480 stolen (7 per 1,000)
• 2024: 595 stolen (8 per 1,000)
• Change: +24%

Vauxhall

• 2023: 575 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• 2024: 538 stolen (4 per 1,000)
• Change: -6%

Volkswagen

• 2023: 508 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• 2024: 533 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• Change: +5%

Jaguar

• 2023: 174 stolen (12 per 1,000)
• 2024: 295 stolen (21 per 1,000)
• Change: +70%

Peugeot

• 2023: 374 stolen (7 per 1,000)
• 2024: 292 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• Change: -22%

Hyundai

• 2023: 236 stolen (6 per 1,000)
• 2024: 290 stolen (7 per 1,000)
• Change: +23%

Kia

• 2023: 210 stolen (7 per 1,000)
• 2024: 270 stolen (8 per 1,000)
• Change: +29%

Fiat

• 2023: 288 stolen (13 per 1,000)
• 2024: 217 stolen (10 per 1,000)
• Change: -25%

Citroen

• 2023: 214 stolen (6 per 1,000)
• 2024: 194 stolen (6 per 1,000)
• Change: -9%

Honda

• 2023: 126 stolen (3 per 1,000)
• 2024: 168 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• Change: +33%

SEAT

• 2023: 145 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• 2024: 161 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• Change: +11%

Renault

• 2023: 197 stolen (5 per 1,000)
• 2024: 144 stolen (4 per 1,000)
• Change: -27%

Lexus

• 2023: 132 stolen (20 per 1,000)
• 2024: 129 stolen (19 per 1,000)
• Change: -2%

Mitsubishi

• 2023: 108 stolen (18 per 1,000)
• 2024: 89 stolen (15 per 1,000)
• Change: -18%

Land Rovers remain one of the most significant targets for thieves, with 32 per 1,000 registered vehicles stolen – but there has also been a 31% decline in thefts. Lexus and Mercedes also remain high-risk brands.

The Commissioner also wants to inform drivers about which cars are less likely to be stolen, so the information can inform their consumer decision when buying a car.

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Many thieves are known to be able to get around the onboard car security features in a matter of seconds, allowing them to drive off with the vehicle, while the owner sleeps at night. This can involve copying digital keys or boosting a car fob signal, to trick the car into opening its doors and allowing its engine to start.

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The PCC said manufacturers must continue to enhance anti-theft technologies and work closely with police forces to prevent and tackle vehicle theft, while consumers should be informed about vehicle security best practices and be encouraged to adopt additional protective measures, such as steering wheel locks and faraday pouches.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “When a person’s car is stolen, it causes significant distress and inconvenience. It is therefore essential, that everything is being done to prevent and tackle vehicle crime.

Read more: Major new crime plan unveiled for the West Midlands

“We have known for some time now, that thieves are using ever more sophisticated methods, to circumvent car security features and that some vehicles, are still capable of being stolen in seconds.

“I am continuing to hold West Midlands Police to account, to ensure they are doing everything within their power, to prevent and tackle car crime, bring offenders to justice and recover vehicles - but we also need manufacturers to ensure that car security features are fit for purpose and a top priority, so that as far as possible, we can prevent cars being stolen in the first place.”