Vehicle stolen once every five minutes in England and Wales in 2025 as thefts rise

18 December 2025

• Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance indicates that a vehicle was stolen once every five minutes in England and Wales in the first nine months of 2025.*
• This comes as the data reveals that there were more than 80,000 vehicles stolen between January and September this year, indicating a 11% rise from the same period in 2024.**
• Additional data obtained by the member-owned business indicates that the Yamaha Nmax 125 motorbike, Ford Transit 350 and the Toyota Hilux invincible were the most commonly stolen vehicles during this period. ***
• Co-op Insurance is reminding drivers to take precautions when it comes to vehicle security this winter. ****

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance indicates that a vehicle was stolen once every five minutes in England and Wales between January and September 2025.

The member-owned business found that more than 80,000 vehicles were recorded as stolen in England and Wales between January and September, which indicates a 11% rise compared to the same period in 2024. ****

Regionally, the Metropolitan Police jurisdiction area of London had the highest incidences of vehicle theft with 24,211 recorded during the period, followed by the West Midlands, which had over 13,000 incidents across the region in the first nine months of the year.

Despite a smaller population, the West Midlands had more incidences than both the North West and Yorkshire. Meanwhile, in Wales 3,729, vehicles were reported as stolen between January and September, which marked a 70% rise in the number of thefts in this region compared to the first nine months of 2024.

When it comes to the thefts in Britain, additional Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from the DVLA reveals that the most commonly stolen vehicles were the Yamaha Nmax 125 motorbike, Ford Transit 350 and the Toyota Hilux invincible in both 2024 and 2025.

Following this, the Honda WV 125-A was the next most stolen vehicle in 2025, replacing the Mercedes Sprinter 313 van, which had been the fourth most stolen last year.

Without the correct insurance, it could cost drivers tens of thousands of pounds to replace their vehicle if it's stolen, meaning that they could face a significant financial impact.****

And possibly even more importantly, vehicle theft can be extremely emotionally distressing. As such the member-owned organisation is encouraging people to ensure that their vehicle is secure and protected, especially during the winter period.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:

“From the family cars to vans for small businesses, vehicles are an essential part of everyday life, so it’s crucial that they are kept safe and secure, particularly during the winter months.

“Unfortunately, our research indicates that there has been a significant number of vehicle thefts so far this year and amid the darker nights, it’s vital that drivers take precautions to keep their vehicles secure.

“Whether it’s installing security features or protecting keys in ‘Faraday pouches’, it’s important to take steps to keep vehicles safe as they will serve to keep criminals at bay and help to ensure that drivers can enjoy greater peace of mind.”

Co-op Insurance has also shared the following tips to help drivers keep their vehicle safe, this winter:

At Home - Driveways and garages can be the most secure places to park your vehicle. - Park as close to the house as possible. - Park in line with a large window.

In a car park - It may take longer to manoeuvre, but park close to other vehicles where possible. Another top tip is to turn your wheels towards surrounding vehicles in a car park, or turn them towards the kerb if you are parked on the road.

Parking on the road - If you are leaving your vehicle on a main road, consider parking it under street lamps. - If you are parking outside a café or restaurant, try to leave it where there is a window.

Hide valuables - Take valuables like sat navs, mobile phones, wallets and cash with you if at all possible, or tuck them safely out if sight if not. This also includes any residue left over from valuables, including ring marks from sat navs, mobile phone packaging or coins. - Keep bags and coats out of sight. Remember to remove any paperwork including your name and address.

Place keys wisely - When at home, avoid leaving keys near doors, open windows or in a place they can be seen easily. - If you’re vehicle uses keyless entry, consider purchasing a ‘Faraday pouch’, in which you can store your keys. Faraday pouches help prevent vehicle theft by blocking the radio signals that keyless entry systems rely on.

Show signs of security - Extra signs of security are a good idea if you are leaving your vehicle unattended. - Installing a tracker will help police locate it if the worst should happen. - Consider installing a steering lock and warning stickers.

Find out more about __Co-op Car Insurance__

ENDS

Notes to the editor

*Once every 4.9 minutes - 393,120 minutes between 1st Jan and 30th Sep 2025.

** Based on responses from 38 out of the 43 police forces in 2024 and 2025. Vehicle theft defined as: ‘Aggravated Vehicle Taking’ or ‘Theft or Unauthorised Taking of a Motor Vehicle’ – 72510 in 2024 v 80,737. Excludes: City of London Police, Essex Police, Cleveland Police, Hampshire Police and Suffolk Police.

*** Freedom of Information data on most commonly stolen make and models of vehicles between 1st January to 30th September 2024 and 2025 obtained by Co-op Insurance from the DVLA.

**** Co-op Insurance has seen claims as high as £24,000 in 2025 (via Markerstudy, Co-op Insurance's underwriting partner)

For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by 7 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.