Land Rover thefts substantially decline as new model becomes the target

New analysis by QuestGates has revealed that Land Rover models have seen a substantial decrease in thefts. 

According to the findings, thefts of Range Rover Evoque models less than three years old were down 77% last year, helping to remove the brand from the top 10 most stolen cars that are less than three years old in the UK.

This comes following recent moves from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). For example, in October 2023, it had to step in to the insurance market to address inflated premiums for Range Rover owners that were being caused by high rates of vehicle theft. 

Meanwhile, in June 2024 JLR invested £1m into supporting police forces across the UK to improve the response to vehicle thefts. 

Philip Swift, technical director of motor at QuestGates, said: “JLR deserve 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 motor insurance policyholders.”

Further data

The analysis is based on full-year DVLA lost or stolen data, with the three year old parameter set on the date of theft.

Overall, UK vehicle thefts were down 4.5% last year, although thefts of models less than three years old rose by 6.6%, according to the comparison of DVLA data for 2023 and 2024.

QuestGates’ research also revealed a sharp increase in the number of Toyota vehicles being taken.

In particular, the Hilux pickup saw a 548.9% year-on-year rise.

“The increased targeting of the Toyota Hilux reflects changing criminal behaviour and the perceived value of and demand for specific models,” Swift added. 

”We advise affected owners to take immediate steps to secure their vehicles.”