Britain’s most stolen electric car revealed as data shows EVs are less at risk of theft

Research from automotive data company HPI has brought some good news for electric car owners and prospective buyers: EVs are half as likely to be stolen compared with other cars.

More than 864,000 electric cars were examined as part of a wider study which revealed that only 0.1 per cent of the nation’s EVs were stolen last year, as opposed to 0.2 per cent of all vehicles.

In a bid to deter criminals and reduce thefts, many EVs offer advanced levels of security including digital car keys, detailed telematics that connect to smartphones, embedded cameras and sentry protection modes. 

Despite these sophisticated levels of security, some of the most popular electric models are at the top of the car criminals’ hit-list.

The HPI research showed that the Kia E-Niro was the most stolen electric car, closely followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Ioniq. The Jaguar I-Pace, Citroen E-SpaceTourer and Volkswagen e-Golf also feature in the list of top 10 most-stolen electric cars.  

The study also revealed the UK’s hotspots for vehicle thefts. Greater London was the area where EVs were most likely to be stolen, followed by the West Midlands and the East of England in third place. The North West ranked fourth, followed by the South East, Yorkshire and the Humber and the East Midlands.

According to Jon Clay, identification manager at HPI, while the number of EV thefts is currently relatively low, motorists need to take extra precautions where possible as more EVs come to the market.

How to prevent car crime

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that almost 130,000 vehicles were stolen and 193,000 items were taken from cars between March 2022 and March 2023. Despite vehicle crime remaining at its highest level since the 2000s, there are a number of precautions motorists can take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of car crime.

Make sure you lock your car

This goes without saying, but make sure your car is locked and don’t solely rely on your key fob. Some car thieves will use ‘jammers’ to intercept the signal between your key fob and the car. After you press the lock button, double check your car is locked by trying to open the door or boot before walking away.

Install a car alarm, immobiliser or tracking device

Most cars will come with a factory fitted alarm or immobiliser, but adding a Thatcham-approved alarm or immobiliser not only increases your car’s security, but could also help reduce your car insurance premium. A tracking device can also increase the chances of your car being returned in the event of a theft.

Use a brake lock or steering wheel lock

Steering wheel locks and brake locks are good visual deterrents which should put off most would-be thieves. If someone does break into your car, chances are they won’t be able to drive away.

Buy a Faraday pouch

If your car has keyless-entry, criminals can clone your key’s signal, allowing them to open and start the car from outside your house, driving away before you even realise. A Faraday pouch blocks your key’s signal, reducing the chance of car theft.

Hide valuables away

Always take your belongings out of the car when you park. If you need to leave belongings in the car, hide them in the boot or the glovebox whenever possible. 

Choose your parking space carefully

Parking in a well-lit car park, which has CCTV cameras or a security patrol should deter most car criminals. If this isn’t possible, park close to other cars as thieves will be less likely to target your vehicle if they think they might be disturbed.