Latest news with #Toyota Hilux
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Do you own the vehicle that's now most targeted by thieves?
Car thieves are targeting a specific model at the moment - and it isn't Range Rovers. A study has revealed that despite a 4.5 per cent decline in motor thefts recorded last year , there's been an increase in newer vehicles being stolen. The report raises yet more concerns about well-funded theft rings utilising new tech to breach security systems of the latest models - the ones you would assume are best protected against car crime. It says stolen motor records held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show a 6.6 per cent jump in thefts of vehicles less than three years old between 2023 and 2024 - and there's one particular motor that's very much in the sights of organised gangs. Toyota Hilux owners have been put on high alert to take as many security precautions as possible after the theft statistics showed a 549 per cent spike in examples up to three years old being stolen. Some 584 of the pick-ups were reported stolen last year, the DLVA's database shows. Local police forces have been reacting to the increase in reported Hilux thefts over recent months, urging owners - particularly farmers - to invest in vehicle trackers, steering wheel locks and additional CCTV coverage. While the report is more bad news for the Japanese manufacturer - whose sister brand Lexus has been already named the most targeted mainstream car brand by thieves in 2024 - it will be welcomed by Jaguar Land Rover. JLR received praise for its efforts to reduce instances of thefts having invested millions upgrading its vehicle security systems in the last 18 months. The Hilux is widely recognised as one of the most reliable motors on the planet. The workhorse pick-up truck was made famous in the 2003 Top Gear series when an older example proved indestructible, even surviving tumbling from the top of a demolished block of flats. But while the Hilux might have earned a durable reputation, the security systems in the latest generation car - launched in 2016 - are far from impenetrable, according to the data. And there is massive demand for the hard-wearing Toyota in regions where most UK stolen vehicles end up being shipped to. The 4X4 is considered a prized asset particularly in Africa, where its reputation for dependability has made it hugely sought after and prices are inflated due to the high demand for both new and used models. A report published earlier this year by the UK insurance industry's Thatcham Research stated that almost two in five (38.5 per cent) of all pinched motors from Britain are transported to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. Other top destinations listed in the report included the UAE, Cyprus, Jamaica and Georgia, driven by global shortages of car parts, high vehicle desirability and 'geopolitical disruption'. Philip Swift, technical director of motor at QuestGates said: 'The increased targeting of the Toyota Hilux reflects changing criminal behaviour and the perceived value of and demand for specific models. 'We advise affected owners to take immediate steps to secure their vehicles.' Police forces raise the alarm on Hilux thefts QuestGates isn't alone in encouraging Hilux drivers to take extra precaution. Last summer, Bedfordshire Police sounded the alarm for Hilux owners when 11 were snatched overnight from addresses in Luton over a few days. Nottinghamshire Police last year also put out a warning to keepers after seven Hilux pick-ups were stolen from various locations across the country - including Balderton, Farndon, Blyth and Newark - within months. And earlier this year, North Yorkshire Police told Hilux owners - notably farmers and in rural communities - to 'take immediate steps' to secure their vehicles. Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, said in January: 'While no security system is foolproof, taking precautionary measures will significantly reduce the risk of theft or damage to your Toyota Hilux. 'More and more vehicles in our area being protected by trackers and other security systems, making life extremely difficult for thieves. 'By continuing to invest in high-quality crime prevention kit, parking in secure locations, and remaining vigilant, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is as well-protected as possible.' Lund recommended owners install trackers to 'make it far more likely' that police will be able to find a stolen vehicle and well as use 'strong theft deterrents' including steering wheel locks, immobilisers and CCTV systems to ensure the pick-ups aren't an 'easy target'. Kirsty Hyslop, vehicle crime specialist at NFU Mutual, said: 'Pick-ups like the Hilux are essential to farming operations, but their popularity makes them a prime target. 'We've seen both the number and cost of pick-up truck thefts rise in 2025.' West Mercia Police also raised flags about Hilux thefts in the region, but also Ford Ranger pick-up, which have also been targeted by criminals in recent months. Toyota investing £10 million to tackle crimewave This is Money approached Toyota Great Britain for comment about the worrying rise in Hilux thefts. A spokesperson told us: 'For the past few years, there has been an industry-wide issue of vehicle theft in the UK, affecting the most popular models first. 'Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of solutions that help protect cars from theft. These include protective plates, immobilisers, blockers and trackers. 'As a vehicle manufacturer, we can never completely eliminate the risk of vehicle theft and, in order to further reduce the theft risk, we regularly collaborate and share information with insurance associations, police and law enforcement authorities, theft prevention experts and other key stakeholders around the world. This enables us to understand new threats and techniques used by thieves and develop more secured systems. 'When it comes to recovery of stolen vehicles, we conducted a trial last year, in conjunction with vehicle security experts, Tracker. 'At a cost of more than £10 million to Toyota, selected customers were provided with a free tracking service. 'Unfortunately, some of those customers were targeted by criminals and their cars were stolen. As a result of the installation of tracking devices, though, a 96 per cent recovery rate was achieved. 'We are rolling out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models, including Hilux, to help add a level of customer reassurance.' 'Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering. Owners can contact their local dealer to establish whether or not their model would benefit from additional security devices and to discuss options and fitment.' Better news for JLR The QuestGates report heaped praise on JLR after DVLA theft data showed the brand's multi-million-pound investment in its vehicle security systems had paid dividends and seen its motors fall down the pecking order of most-pinched newer models. Britain's biggest car maker last year pumped £15 million into upgrading the anti-theft systems in its vehicles , providing a major software update for all models dating back to 2018 to ensure they had the latest protection to stave off the spike in motor crime. It also handed a further £1 million to police operations around UK ports to help infiltrate well-funded gangs shipping stolen motors out of the country. The massive investment came after a significant jump in thefts of its vehicles, particularly Range Rover, which at one point became uninsurable in London due to the high risk level of these cars. But the new study showed its efforts - and investment - has been fruitful. Thefts of Land Rover models saw 'substantial decreases', QuestGates said. Less than three-year-old Range Rover Evoque thefts were down 77 per cent last year. 'JLR deserve huge credit for security upgrades which are apparently highly effective in deterring the professional criminals who target new cars,' Swift said. 'Fewer thefts mean fewer claims, lower costs and better outcomes for motor insurance policyholders.' Regionally, thefts of vehicles less than three years old increased significantly in Bedfordshire, Essex and Warwickshire, while Greater Manchester recorded a notable 20 per cent reduction, the study revealed.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Do you own the vehicle that's currently most targeted by thieves? Spoiler alert: it's not a Range Rover
Car thieves are targeting a specific model at the moment - and it isn't Range Rovers. A new study has revealed that despite a 4.5 per cent decline in motor thefts recorded last year, there's been an increase in newer vehicles being pinched. The report raises yet more concerns about well-funded theft rings utilising new tech to breach security systems of the latest models - the ones you would assume are best protected against car crime. It says stolen motor records held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show a 6.6 per cent jump in thefts of vehicles less than three years old between 2023 and 2024 - and there's one particular motor that's very much in the sights of organised gangs. Toyota Hilux owners have been put on high alert to take as many security precautions as possible after the theft statistics showed a 549 per cent spike in examples up to three years old being stolen. Some 584 of the pick-ups were reported stolen last year, the DLVA's database shows. Local police forces have been reacting to the increase in reported Hilux thefts over recent months, urging owners - particularly farmers - to invest in vehicle trackers, steering wheel locks and additional CCTV coverage. While the report is more bad news for the Japanese manufacturer - whose sister brand Lexus has been already named the most targeted mainstream car brand by thieves in 2024 - it will be welcomed by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which received praise for its efforts to reduce instances of thefts having invested millions upgrading its vehicle security systems in the last 18 months. The Hilux is widely recognised as one of the most reliable motors on the planet. The workhorse pick-up truck was made famous in the 2003 Top Gear series when an older example proved indestructible, even surviving tumbling from the top of a demolished block of flats. But while the Hilux might have earned a durable reputation, the security systems in the latest generation car (launched in 2016) are far from impenetrable, according to the data. And there is massive demand for the hard-wearing Toyota in regions where most UK stolen vehicles end up being shipped to. The 4X4 is considered a prized asset particularly in Africa, where its reputation for dependability has made it hugely sought after but also prices inflated due to the high demand for both new and used models. A report published earlier this year by the UK insurance industry's Thatcham Research stated that almost two in five (38.5 per cent) of all pinched motors from Britain are transported to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. Other top destinations listed in the report included the UAE, Cyprus, Jamaica and Georgia, driven by global shortages of car parts, high vehicle desirability and 'geopolitical disruption'. Philip Swift, technical director of motor at QuestGates said: 'The increased targeting of the Toyota Hilux reflects changing criminal behaviour and the perceived value of and demand for specific models. 'We advise affected owners to take immediate steps to secure their vehicles.' Police forces raise the alarm on Hilux thefts And QuestGates isn't alone in encouraging Hilux drivers to take extra precaution. Last summer, Bedfordshire Police urged owners sounded the alarm for Hilux owners when 11 were snatched overnight from addresses in Luton over a few days. Nottinghamshire Police last year also put out a warning to keepers after seven Hilux pick-ups were stolen from various locations across the country - including Balderton, Farndon, Blyth and Newark - within months. And earlier this year, North Yorkshire Police told Hilux owners - notably farmers and in rural communities - to 'take immediate steps' to secure their vehicles. Toyota GB has told us it is rolling out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models being targeted, including Hilux, to help add a level of customer reassurance Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, said in January: 'While no security system is foolproof, taking precautionary measures will significantly reduce the risk of theft or damage to your Toyota Hilux. 'More and more vehicles in our area being protected by trackers and other security systems, making life extremely difficult for thieves. 'By continuing to invest in high-quality crime prevention kit, parking in secure locations, and remaining vigilant, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is as well-protected as possible.' Lund recommended owners install trackers to 'make it far more likely' that police will be able to find a stolen vehicle and well as use 'strong theft deterrents' including steering wheel locks, immobilisers and CCTV systems to ensure the pick-ups aren't an 'easy target'. Kirsty Hyslop, vehicle crime specialist at NFU Mutual, said: 'Pick-ups like the Hilux are essential to farming operations, but their popularity makes them a prime target. 'We've seen both the number and cost of pick-up truck thefts rise in 2025.' West Mercia Police also raised flags about Hilux thefts in the region, but also Ford Ranger pick-up, which have also been targeted by criminals in recent months. Toyota investing £10million to tackle crimewave This is Money approached Toyota Great Britain for comment about the worrying rise in Hilux thefts. A spokesperson told us: 'For the past few years, there has been an industry-wide issue of vehicle theft in the UK, affecting the most popular models first. 'Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of solutions that help protect cars from theft. These include protective plates, immobilisers, blockers and trackers. 'As a vehicle manufacturer, we can never completely eliminate the risk of vehicle theft and, in order to further reduce the theft risk, we regularly collaborate and share information with insurance associations, police and law enforcement authorities, theft prevention experts and other key stakeholders around the world. This enables us to understand new threats and techniques used by thieves and develop more secured systems. 'When it comes to recovery of stolen vehicles, we conducted a trial last year, in conjunction with vehicle security experts, Tracker. 'At a cost of more than £10million to Toyota, selected customers were provided with a free tracking service. 'Unfortunately, some of those customers were targeted by criminals and their cars were stolen. As a result of the installation of tracking devices, though, a 96 per cent recovery rate was achieved. 'We are rolling out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models, including Hilux, to help add a level of customer reassurance.' 'Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering. Owners can contact their local dealer to establish whether or not their model would benefit from additional security devices and to discuss options and fitment.' Better news for JLR The QuestGates report heaped praise on JLR after DVLA theft data showed the brand's multi-million-pound investment in its vehicle security systems had paid dividends and seen its motors fall down the pecking order of most-pinched newer models. Britain's biggest car maker last year pumped £15million into upgrading the anti-theft systems in its vehicles, providing a major software update for all models dating back to 2018 to ensure they had the latest protection to stave off the spike in motor crime. It also handed a further £1million to police operations around UK ports to help infiltrate well-funded gangs shipping stolen motors out of the country. 'JLR deserve huge credit for security upgrades which are apparently highly effective in deterring the professional criminals who target new cars,' the loss adjusting and claims solutions group said The massive investment came after a significant jump in thefts of its vehicles, particularly Range Rover, which at one point became uninsurable in London due to the high risk level of these cars. But the new study showed its efforts - and investment - has been fruitful. Thefts of Land Rover models saw 'substantial decreases', QuestGates said. Less than three-year-old Range Rover Evoque thefts were down 77 per cent last year. 'JLR deserve huge credit for security upgrades which are apparently highly effective in deterring the professional criminals who target new cars,' Swift said. 'Fewer thefts mean fewer claims, lower costs and better outcomes for motor insurance policyholders.' Regionally, thefts of vehicles less than three years old increased significantly in Bedfordshire, Essex and Warwickshire, while Greater Manchester recorded a notable 20 per cent reduction, the study revealed. 13 tips to beat the car thieves This is Money has spoken to a number of experts across the field of vehicle security to create a list of 13 tips all car owners should follow to best protect their motors. We've enlisted the help of Thatcham Research, AA President Edmund King and vehicle crime consultant Dr Ken German - previously head of technology at the Met stolen car squad with a PhD in International Vehicle Crime - to compile the ultimate list of car security tips: 1. Make sure your car is locked in the first place This may seem obvious, but a large proportion of thefts are a result of the vehicle being left unlocked or criminals using signal jammers that block your key fob from communicating with the car's locks. Drivers should always check the vehicle is locked and the windows are up after using a key fob. Listen for the locking noise and watch for the lights to flash and - if your car has them - automatic wing mirrors to fold. 2. Don't leave your car engine running to defrost windows Freezing temperatures can tempt drivers into starting the car's engine to deice or defrost the windows, then returning to the warmth indoors until the windscreen is clear. It might sound obvious but by leaving a vehicle unattended is a huge security risk, even if it's on your own private driveway. In fact, it is illegal to do this, and your insurer is unlikely pay out for any loss if your car is stolen as a result of this. Thieves will be checking for stationary cars emitting exhaust smoke or that have wing mirrors that normally are folded in when locked but are clearly not. 3. Keep valuables out of sight 'Out of sight, out of mind'. Remove all valuables from your vehicle to make it less of a target to opportunistic thieves. 4. Do you have an alarm and immobiliser? Ensure your vehicle has a Thatcham-certified alarm, immobiliser and tracking system fitted. Some insurance policies require the fitment of a tracking device, so it's important any associated subscriptions to monitoring services are maintained. 5. Mechanical security systems - like a steering lock - might seem 'old hat' but are a great deterrent Steering wheel locks, gear clamps, wheel clamps and other traditional security systems can act as a strong visual deterrent against thieves. 6. Install a doorbell camera or CCTV at your home Doorbell cameras and CCTV systems are becoming increasingly popular as both a deterrent for car crime and to catch thieves. Make sure you invest in one that has a night vision mode and crisp HD resolution. Motion-sensing driveway lighting can also be a strong deterrent. 7. If you have a garage, use it! If you have a garage, try to make sure there is enough room for your car to fit into it, rather than using it for storage for all types of household clutter. If you have multiple vehicles, almost prioritise the garage for the one of highest value - and park another car in front of the garage door as an extra precaution. And if you have electric garage doors, do not keep the transponder inside the vehicle, such as in the glovebox. Victims have subsequently found this to be the reason for their property being burgled. 8. Think about where and how you park overnight Most car thefts take place under the cloak of darkness, so this is the most important time to consider how secure your vehicle is. If you don't have a garage but do have a driveway, always park tactically. For instance, if you have a big driveway, park the car sideways to so any thief will need to manoeuvre it. If your driveway is smaller, park facing your house to increase the chances of you being alerted to the lights coming on. And park with the wheels turned on full lock to extend the time it takes for criminals to make a getaway. Even consider parking another less desirable car in front (or behind) your vehicle to prevent easy removal. Those with driveways can also purchase lockable barriers to restrict access - and experts advise that a car cover is often a deterrent due to the time it takes to remove one and will look suspicious to neighbours and passersby. If you do not have off-street parking, try to leave your car in a well-lit area - ideally with CCTV monitoring - and in a position that makes it difficult for a thief to move quickly. Ken German tells us that some motorists are being extra inventive in their bid to protect their cars. Some previous victims are leaving mannequins in the driver's seat to dissuade unwanted visitors. 9. Check repair centre and bodyshop accreditation to avoid key cloning If you need to leave your key with a garage or bodyshop, you should check that they are a member of an accredited code of practice/professional standard such as The Motor Ombudsman or The British Parking Association's Park Mark scheme. This should reduce your chances of falling victim of key cloning. Also, if you have purchased your vehicle second-hand with only one working key, visit an approved repair centre to have the missing key(s) deleted and add a spare as soon as possible. 10. Consider a dashcam or a car with theft alerts Dashcams have grown in popularity in recent years, with motorists primarily using them to prove they were not at fault in a crash. They also act as a great theft deterrent. This is because many of these devices will also record suspicious activity around your car is parked up and you're not in it. However, make sure you buy one that uploads videos to cloud storage rather than saving it only a memory stick in the dash cam - because you will also lose this if your car is stolen. Some modern vehicles now offer 'parking mode', which also can also detect and record movement when parked. This can be used as supporting evidence by your insurer and the police. Many of these alerts will be powered via a smartphone app, so ensure you've activated the feature and turned on notifications. 11. Always wipe stored info from a car before you sell it Some vehicle apps and connected systems can provide the previous owner with access. If permissions remain active, ensure that all permissions and data linked to the previous owner are wiped. 12. 'Locust' thieves might strike twice A new wave of 'locust thieves' exist today who strip cars whilst they're parked at the side of the road and even outside owners' homes. Many people have woken up to find wheels, bonnets and grills and even doors missing from their cars rendering them undriveable. This is because these parts are becoming more valuable since the pandemic with factory closures and slowdowns meaning some components are not as readily available from manufacturers as pre-Covid. For instance, a Porsche headlight can be worth up to £1,000 today, which has driven a rise in these parts being stolen. Wing mirrors for top of the range vehicles are also easy-to-steal high-value components. Ken German warns that falling victim to locust thieves might not be the end of the story. He says owners who have had parts pinched from their car should check around and under the vehicle to ensure thieves have not fitted a tracking device so they can track when the motor is not being used and return at a later date to attempt to steal it. 13. Be aware of scam crash tactics deployed to steal cars While carjacking still exists today, it is not as prevalent in the UK as it is in some other countries, such as South Africa. That said, if you are in a high value vehicle you would be wise to drive with the doors locked in traffic. Also drive defensively when in a queue leaving enough space in front for you to get out of a tight spot should you need to. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over and find somewhere safe where there are people. If you're suspicious don't unlock the door and call the police.
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Britain's most stolen cars revealed with humble motor topping the list… where does your vehicle rank?
BRITAIN'S most stolen cars have been revealed with a humble motor topping the list from the Government's most recent car theft statistics. The data shows which motors are the most commonly stolen in the UK. Range Rover owners can breathe easy but Hilux owners should be concerned after the sturdy Toyota pick up topped the list. Thefts of the reliable Japanese four-by-four were up 549 per cent in 2024, equating to 584 missing motors in just a year. Overall vehicle thefts were down 4.5 per cent last year but thefts of cars less than three-years-old rose by 6.6 per cent. Land Rover models came out well in the statistics with Range Rover Evoque thefts down a whopping 77 per cent. This brought the brand out of the list of top ten most stolen cars in Britain. The firm has been focused on security improvements with recent models after receiving a slew of theft reports from customers. Amidst the crime wave insuring a Range Rover, especially in the city, was nearly impossible for motorists. In response Land Rover's parent company JLR invested a whopping £1 million to fund proactive policing. This was aimed at tackling the organised crime groups suspected to be targeting the flash motors in the UK. The firm went on to splash out an eye-watering £17 million on updating the security of its motors. Watch moment brazen gang steals car from family driveway in under 20 seconds as thief claims robbing to order is like 'working for Amazon' This included retrospectively upgrading the key systems on 300,000 cars to the latest technology. As a result of the effort there are now no Land Rover models in the top 22 most stolen models for 2024. But car thieves have seemingly pivoted to target another off-road SUV. The near indestructible Toyota Hilux appears to be highly sought after by criminals who nick the motors using electronic bypasses to drive them off without a key. 4 The Hilux has a ready market in foreign countries where its ruggedness is prized and buyers are less concerned about where the motors came from. Richard Billyeald, chief research and operations officer at the insurance industry's Thatcham Research, said: 'Top destinations for stolen UK vehicles include the Democratic Republic of Congo, UAE, Cyprus, Jamaica and Georgia, driven by global shortages of car parts, high vehicle desirability and geopolitical disruption.' With so many Hilux' being stolen police forces across the country have begun issuing warnings to owners. After 11 were nicked overnight Bedfordshire Police urged owners to take extra care. North Yorkshire Police and Nottinghamshire officers have issued similar warnings. Toyota is fighting back though, a spokesman told the Telegraph: 'Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of solutions that help protect cars from theft. "These include protective plates, immobilisers, blockers and trackers." BMW retained its second place in the most stolen list of younger cars and Korean brand Kia rose from fifth to third place. Hyundai has claimed that in the market after February 2024 all received the latest hardware and software technology and should be safe from thieves. Thefts by region varied with Greater Manchester seeing a 20 per cent reduction but Bedfordshire, Essex and Warwickshire saw increases. How to protect your car from thieves Wheel clamps are another great option that can prevent your car from being driven away. Again, they are highly visible as they are often sold in bright colours, and may deter opportunistic thieves looking for a quick and easy target. Traditional security measures are also considered when calculating insurance premiums. Rich Morley at Lancaster Insurance explains that, no matter what car you drive, classic or modern, traditional-style security measures can provide extra peace of mind and security for your vehicle, helping to deter thieves in the process. He added: 'When considering a risk profile, we will establish with customers any security measures they have in place to prevent potential theft."
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Relax, your Land Rover is safe. Britain has a new most-stolen vehicle
Range Rover owners can relax, but Hilux owners need to be on high alert. That's the message from the Government's latest car theft statistics, which show that the undesirable title of Britain's most stolen new car has shifted from Land Rover's flagship to the humble Toyota pickup truck. Analysis of official data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) conducted by insurance specialist QuestGates shows that Toyota Hilux thefts were up 549 per cent in 2024 compared with the previous year, with 584 going missing over the year. While overall UK vehicle thefts were down 4.5 per cent in 2024, the figure for cars younger than three years old rose by 6.6 per cent. In contrast, Land Rover models saw substantial decreases. Range Rover Evoque thefts in particular were down 77 per cent last year, helping to shift the brand out of the top 10. This reflects the success of recent security enhancements introduced by Land Rover after it was battered by bad publicity and customer complaints after a crime wave made some Range Rovers almost uninsurable, especially in cities. The £17m cost of security upgrades In an unprecedented move, Land Rover's parent company JLR invested £1m to fund proactive policing to tackle the organised crime groups targeting vehicles in the UK. It then spent £17m to update the security of its vehicles, including retrospectively upgrading the key systems on 300,000 cars to the latest technology, which uses scan-resistant wavebands and keyfobs which go into sleep mode if they are not moved. And it has worked. As a result, there are now no Land Rover models in the top 22 most stolen models for 2024 – and monthly theft figures for the Land Rover and Jaguar brands are at their lowest levels for five years. Philip Swift, technical director at QuestGates, said: 'JLR deserves huge credit for security upgrades which are apparently highly effective in deterring the professional criminals who target new cars. Fewer thefts mean fewer claims, lower costs and better outcomes for policyholders.' Toyota's Top Gear test But it seems as though the crooks have moved on to another rugged vehicle – the Toyota Hilux. The tough pickup was made famous for being seemingly indestructible in a 2003 series of Top Gear, yet while it might appear unbreakable, it seems the security systems are less sturdy and it is now highly sought after by thieves who are using electronic bypasses to take them without the key. The stolen 4x4 vehicles have a ready market in foreign countries where its ruggedness is prized, while the buyers are not worried by its stolen status. Richard Billyeald, chief research and operations officer at the insurance industry's Thatcham Research, said: 'Top destinations for stolen UK vehicles include the Democratic Republic of Congo, UAE, Cyprus, Jamaica and Georgia, driven by global shortages of car parts, high vehicle desirability and geopolitical disruption.' The Hilux theft craze has led to a wave of warnings from police forces across the country. Last summer, Bedfordshire Police urged owners to take extra precautions after 11 were stolen overnight from addresses in Luton over a few days. North Yorkshire Police and Nottinghamshire officers issued similar warnings and stepped up crime prevention patrols in rural locations, speaking to owners of Hiluxes to warn them of the risks. Like Land Rover, Toyota is fighting back. A spokesman said: 'Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of solutions that help protect cars from theft. These include protective plates, immobilisers, blockers and trackers. 'We conducted a trial last year, at a cost of more than £10 million to Toyota, where selected customers were provided with a free tracking service. We are rolling out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models, including Hilux, to help add a level of customer reassurance. Some of those customers were targeted by criminals and their cars were stolen. As a result of the installation of tracking devices, a 96 per cent recovery rate was achieved. 'Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering. Owners can contact their local dealer to establish whether their model would benefit from additional security devices.' Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover are the only car makers currently engaging with the newly formed National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership, recognising their vehicles have vulnerabilities and giving significant funding to the police-led scheme to disrupt and target gangs involved in vehicle crime. But they are not the only brands with serious issues. Worrying trends While BMW has retained its second place in the 'most stolen' list of younger cars, owners will be worried to see the rise of Korean brand Kia, which moves from fifth to third place. Along with sister brand Hyundai, the South Korean company's cars have been plagued by thefts, with criminals apparently using a simple gadget bought on the internet to mimic the car's real key. Hyundai says its vehicles placed in the market after February 2024 have all received the latest hardware and software technology and should be safe, while it is 'actively working to offer a range of options to enhance the security of customers' vehicles' for earlier models. A police source told us that Ford's big-selling rival to the Hilux, called the Ranger, is also proving popular with thieves looking to export them – although their stronger security means they tend to be acquired through fraud rather than conventional methods. Regionally, thefts of vehicles less than three years old increased significantly in 2024 in Bedfordshire, Essex and Warwickshire, while Greater Manchester recorded a notable 20 per cent reduction. It seems that the electronic technology designed to keep our cars secure can offer crooks any easy way into them and the best way to prevent it is a switch to old-fashioned physical locks. A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson said: 'Where possible, park cars on driveways, in well-lit areas or where they are covered by CCTV. Extra security such as immobilisers or steering locks could also help deter thieves, along with lockable covers for diagnostic ports on newer models. And please keep keys in a secure location and as far from the vehicle as possible.' Top tips on how to protect your car Make sure your car is locked ...Even if you are in a place you think is safe, such as a rural location or your driveway. Cost: £0 Fit a steering wheel lock or other physical security device Look for products with a Sold Secure approval, as they will take thieves longer to remove. Cost: from £70 Where to keep your fob If your car has 'keyless' entry (you don't have to press buttons to unlock it), keep the fob as far away from the car as possible when it is parked to prevent high-tech relay theft using signal boosters. Also try to keep the keys in a Faraday bag or box to prevent them transmitting. Cost: £15 Tracking devices Consider a tracking device to help locate your vehicle if it's stolen. Professionally fitted and insurance approved trackers cost about £200 plus a monthly subscription. Cheaper alternatives are available but are unlikely to bring a discount on premiums. Cost: from £100 Have the car marked to help identification Old-fashioned window etching is effective, but modern 'DNA' swabbing applies an almost invisible paint to parts across the car. It can only be seen under UV light, while microscopic analysis will reveal a unique code. Cost: £59.50 ( When buying or selling Be especially careful when buying or selling a car to make sure you are not a victim of fraud or distraction theft. Insist on seeing ID and make sure payments are cleared before letting a car out of your sight. Cost: Free
