Car crime: Which models are stolen most and how to reduce the risk of losing yours to theft

The figures were released by security experts Tracker, which specialises in using high-tech devices to trace stolen vehicles.

According to the data, the BMW X5 is back in the number one position – the eighth time in nine years it has claimed that spot.

The figures come as keyless car thefts increased in the UK, with experts blaming due its ease and the availability and affordability of the technology needed to perform it.

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In 2018, Mercedes-Benz took a record four of the top 10 spots while BMW, Land Rover and Range Rover models also all featured.

There are also a few changes, with the BMW moving from fifth to third place while the Range Rover dropped from third place to eighth.

Top Models Stolen & Recovered in 2018:

1. BMW X5

2. Mercedes-Benz C Class

3. BMW 3 Series

4. Mercedes E Class

5. BMW 5 Series

6. Range Rover Vogue

7. Land Rover Discovery

8. Range Rover Sport

9. Mercedes S Class

10. Mercedes GLE

The most expensive car stolen and recovered in 2018 was a Rolls Royce Ghost worth £120,000 while the cheapest was a £1,000 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, explained: “Organised criminal gangs make a living out of stealing to order or taking what they know will sell quickly, and it’s a thriving, albeit illegal, profession.

"What’s more, these people have highly sophisticated skills, continually adapting their techniques to counter technology introduced by manufacturers to safeguard vehicles.

“Although premium models dominate the top 10, the opportunist thief will take any vehicle they can gain access to, so it’s vital that owners think about their vehicle security measures to make it harder for criminals."

How to reduce risk of losing vehicle to theft

Private number plates provider Click 4Reg.co.uk has provided five tips to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of vehicle crime.

Wall parking:

Where possible, opt to park facing the wall at home or in public places. With thieves always seeking to make a quick escape, having to reverse will only slow them down, so they are less likely to take the risk if a car is positioned towards a wall.

Securing valuable possessions:

Remove every single valuable possession out of plain sight when not in the vehicle – especially money, wallets, purses, house keys and watches. Likewise, take or hide in the glove box electronic items such as a portable sat nav and radio faceplate if detachable.

Awareness of basic protection:

Make every effort to check and close all windows as well as fully locking the vehicle when leaving it at parked, at work or elsewhere.

Furthermore, a reputable car alarm system or an easy-to-fit steering wheel lock – ideal for the new wave of keyless cars – can add a depth of security to your vehicle. Think of ways to slow down a thief.

Strategically parking:

When you are out and about aim to park your car in an area which has a lot of passing footfall, surrounded by good lighting or is adequately covered by CCTV. The presence of any one of these factors, is likely to deter unwanted intruders from approaching your vehicle.

Planning for unfamiliar journeys:

If you are making a journey to an unfamiliar location, then look to plan ahead by using an online mapping service to identify any areas which have notoriously high crime rates to avoid driving through them or parking there.