{"id":66122,"date":"2025-07-14T08:18:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T12:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/lexus-tops-list-of-most-stolen-cars-as-range-rover-thefts-drop-sharply\/"},"modified":"2025-07-14T08:18:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T12:18:08","slug":"lexus-tops-list-of-most-stolen-cars-as-range-rover-thefts-drop-sharply","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/lexus-tops-list-of-most-stolen-cars-as-range-rover-thefts-drop-sharply\/","title":{"rendered":"Lexus Tops List of Most Stolen Cars as Range Rover Thefts Drop Sharply"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Are Lexus Models Suddenly Top Targets for Car Thieves?<\/p>\n

If you own a Lexus, especially one of the recent models, you might want to pay extra attention to your car\u2019s security. According to the latest government data, five Lexus models have landed in the top ten most likely to be stolen in 2024. The Lexus ES 300 leads the pack, with an astonishing one in 30 chance of being stolen. Right behind it are the Lexus RX 450 and the Mercedes GLS, both with a one in 39 chance. Other Lexus models like the LC 500, UX 250, and NX 300 also make the list, showing that thieves are increasingly targeting these higher-value, slightly older vehicles.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s driving this trend? Experts point to a combination of factors. Lexus vehicles, known for their luxury and reliability, are in high demand not just in the UK but also overseas. This demand fuels a thriving export market for stolen premium cars. Criminals have become more sophisticated, often targeting models with perceived vulnerabilities or those lacking the latest security updates.<\/p>\n

How Does This Compare to Other Popular Cars Like the Ford Fiesta?<\/p>\n

You might assume that the most popular cars are the most likely to be stolen. While the Ford Fiesta tops the charts for the sheer number of thefts\u2014over 4,700 last year\u2014it\u2019s a different story when you look at theft rates relative to how many are on the road. The Fiesta, despite being the UK\u2019s best-selling used car, ranks a distant 312th in terms of theft likelihood. That means your odds of losing a Fiesta to thieves are much lower than if you own a Lexus ES 300 or RX 450.<\/p>\n

This shift highlights a key point: thieves are getting choosier. Rather than going after the most common cars, they\u2019re targeting models that fetch higher prices on the black market, either whole or as parts.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Being Done to Protect High-Risk Vehicles?<\/p>\n

Manufacturers aren\u2019t sitting idly by. Lexus, for example, has invested over \u00a310 million in anti-theft measures, including offering selected customers a free Tracker vehicle location service. The results? A reported 96% recovery rate for stolen vehicles equipped with this technology. Tracker installation is now available as an option for certain models, giving owners extra peace of mind.<\/p>\n

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) faced a similar problem, with the Range Rover once being a favorite among thieves. After a spate of thefts, JLR rolled out significant security software updates across its lineup. The payoff is clear: the Range Rover has dropped to 52nd on the list of most likely stolen cars, now sitting behind other premium SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and the Mercedes GLS.<\/p>\n

Why Are Some Brands Like Abarth and Lexus More Vulnerable?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just Lexus feeling the heat. Abarth, a niche performance brand, is now the most likely marque to be stolen, with one in 116 vehicles targeted. The Abarth 595, in particular, faces a one in 87 chance of theft. These numbers reflect a broader trend: thieves are increasingly going after cars that are either valuable, rare, or both.<\/p>\n

According to Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, the export market for premium vehicles is a major driver. Many stolen cars are intercepted at docksides, bound for overseas buyers. Until this demand is curbed, recovery efforts will remain a constant battle.<\/p>\n

Are Thieves Stealing Cars for Parts or for Export?<\/p>\n

It depends on the model. Mark Silvester, a crime prevention specialist with West Midlands Police, notes that cars like the Abarth 595 and Ford Fiesta are often stolen to be broken down for parts. These \u201cchop shops\u201d dismantle vehicles quickly, making recovery difficult. On the other hand, premium models like Lexus and Range Rover are more likely to be shipped abroad, where they command top dollar.<\/p>\n

Police are making progress, though. More stolen cars are being identified, and authorities are cracking down on illegal chop shops. Still, vigilance remains key for owners of high-risk vehicles.<\/p>\n

What Can You Do to Protect Your Car Right Now?<\/p>\n

If you drive a Lexus, Abarth, or any other car that\u2019s become a hot target, there are practical steps you can take. First, make sure your vehicle is serviced at a main dealer or reputable garage with access to the latest security software updates. This can close off vulnerabilities that thieves exploit.<\/p>\n

Consider investing in a vehicle tracking system, especially if your manufacturer offers one. Physical deterrents like steering wheel locks, immobilizers, and even simple habits\u2014like parking in well-lit, busy areas\u2014can make a real difference. And don\u2019t underestimate the value of community: neighborhood watch groups and shared security alerts can help everyone stay one step ahead.<\/p>\n

The big takeaway? Car security isn\u2019t about perfection\u2014it\u2019s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you\u2019ll likely spot the difference by month\u2019s end.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Thief<\/a><\/p>\n

Brand has five of the top eight cars most likely to be stolen<\/p>\n

\n

Five Lexus<\/a> models were among the top 10 cars most likely to be stolen in 2024, according to government data \u2013 and the Range Rover<\/a>, previously a high-profile target for car thieves, is now among the most protected.<\/p>\n

Last year, more than 61,000 cars were stolen across the UK. The Ford Fiesta<\/a> \u2013 the country\u2019s most popular second-hand car, with 306,207 sales in 2024 \u2013 topped the table for overall number of thefts, at 4719.<\/p>\n

However, new analysis of the latest DVLA data, which ranks stolen cars as a proportion of the total number registered, paints an alternative picture.<\/p>\n

It reveals the Lexus ES 300 as the model most likely to be stolen in 2024, with one in 30 taken. It is followed by the Lexus RX<\/a> 450 and Mercedes GLS<\/a>, both one in 39.<\/p>\n

The other Lexus models in a top 10 dominated by slightly older and relatively low-volume, higher-value cars are the LC<\/a> 500 (fifth place, one in 55), the UX<\/a> 250 (sixth, one in 62) and the NX<\/a> 300 (eighth, one in 75).<\/p>\n

Applying the same analysis to the Fiesta ranks the model in 312th place.<\/p>\n

According to the analysis by PR agency Loop, Lexus is the second-most-likely brand to be stolen (one in 120) after Abarth<\/a> (one in 116).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Abarth most likely to be stolen is the 595, with a one-in-87 chance, ranking it ninth in the model table.<\/p>\n

A spokesman for Toyota<\/a> premium brand Lexus said: \u201cToyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of security solutions. Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor example, at a cost of more than \u00a310 million to Lexus, selected customers were provided with a free Tracker vehicle location service. As a result, a 96% recovery rate has been achieved. We have subsequently rolled out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following similar incidents of theft, JLR updated security software for its new and existing vehicles last year. As a result, having previously been among the most stolen models, the Range\u00a0Rover now ranks 52nd in the table of cars most likely to be stolen, behind other premium SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga<\/a> (36th) and Mercedes GLS (third).<\/p>\n

\u201cLexus is making considerable efforts to protect its customers\u2019 cars but JLR suffered a rise in thefts sooner than it and so has had more time to react and develop solutions,\u201d said Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker. \u201cHowever, its cars are still being stolen.\u00a0There is a thriving market overseas for Lexus, JLR and other premium vehicles and we recover many at docksides. Until this export market ends, recovering these vehicles will remain an ongoing programme for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Commenting on Abarth and Fiesta thefts, Mark Silvester, a crime prevention specialist at West Midlands Police, said: \u201cThese cars are usually stolen to be broken for parts. Fortunately, we\u2019re identifying more stolen cars and locating and closing down chop shops where they are dismantled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong other countermeasures, we advise people to have their cars serviced at a garage or main dealer with access to the latest security software updates.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":66123,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-66122","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66122","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66122"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66122\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66122"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66122"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}