The models of car that have been most frequently stolen across the past year have been revealed upon analysis of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data.
Coming in at number one are two separate models of Ford Fiesta, followed in third place by a specific model of Range Rover.
Ford Fiestas take up a further five slots in the top ten, making them extremely popular with car thieves.
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As reported by the Daily Record, filling out the remaining two spots are the Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic SDV6 and the BMW 520D M Sport.
Looking at electric cars, the Mitsubishi Outlander was found to be the most popular amongst criminals.
The research, which was carried out by car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco, covers data up until November 2020 - during which there were 43,603 car thefts reported by the police to the DVLA.
The shocking data was obtained through a Freedom of Information request, and reveals that one car was stolen every 11 minutes in the UK on average.
Experts predict the number of vehicles pinched in 2021 will likely top the 46,876 figure registered during 2020, but will be significantly less than the 58,642 stolen during 2019, pre-pandemic.
DVLA data shows the Ford Fiesta Zetec is the most stolen car in 2021, with the turbo model also appearing in 8th position in the list.
Analysis of the data by car comparison site LeaseLoco showed the top 10 most stolen cars are:
- Ford Fiesta Zetec - 418 stolen
- Ford Fiesta Titanium Turbo - 351 stolen
- Range Rover Sport HSE SDV6 - 315 stolen
- Ford Fiesta Titanium X - 311 stolen
- Ford Fiesta ST-2 Turbo - 300 stolen
- Ford Fiesta ST-3 Turbo - 272 stolen
- Ford Fiesta Titanium - 241 stolen
- Ford Fiesta Zetec Turbo - 204 stolen
- Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic SDV6 - 174 stolen
- BMW 520D M Sport - 131 stolen
LeaseLoco CEO John Wilmot said the research showed just how important it is for people to take extra precautions to securely lock their car.
He said: "The Ford Fiesta may be about to lose its title as the best selling car in the UK but it still retains the unenviable title as the most stolen car in Britain.
“While the Range Rover Sport, one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market, has been targeted by sophisticated criminal gangs who have the knowledge and keyless tech to gain entry."
He added that the results shouldn't be a reason for car owners not to purchase these vehicles just because they appear on the list.
He said: "If you take the right precautions you can avoid becoming a victim of car thieves - and that goes for any car owners.
“Always make sure your car is locked before you walk away and check that it’s locked at night. Think about upgrading the security on your car; this could include fitting an alarm, immobiliser and tracking system.
Consider another layer of security in the form of a steering wheel lock, which also acts as an effective visual deterrent.
"And make sure you keep your vehicle keys safe; store them out of sight from windows and doors, don’t leave your car running with the keys in the ignition, and consider using a signal blocking key pouch to block radio signals from the keyless entry system."
