It’s bad news for motorists as one car is now the top target for car thieves, with five models from the luxury brand featuring in the list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles
Motorists have been put on red alert as Lexus cars have now become the prime target for car thieves, surpassing the previously favoured Range Rovers from Jaguar Land Rover. The DVLA’s latest statistics show that Lexus vehicles might be increasingly targeted, with five models from the luxury carmaker appearing in the top 10 list of most stolen vehicles.
The DVLA’s analysis of the car theft data for 2024, which saw more than 61,000 cars pinched, reveals that while the Ford Fiesta tops the chart in absolute numbers, it is less likely to be stolen compared to the number of Fiestas on the road. In a worrying trend, the Lexus ES 300 has been identified as the car most likely to be nicked last year, with one in 30 falling into the hands of thieves.
Other Lexus models at risk include the RX 450, LC 500, UX 250, and NX 300, reports the Express. Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, has responded to these alarming figures by pointing out their significant investment in security measures.
They said: “Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of security solutions. Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering.”
They also highlighted their efforts to protect customers’ vehicles, adding: “For example, at a cost of more than £10million to Lexus, selected customers were provided with a free Tracker vehicle location service.
“As a result, a 96% recovery rate has been achieved. We have subsequently rolled out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models.”
While the latest figures might be disheartening for Lexus owners, they simultaneously shine a light on the strides Jaguar Land Rover has taken to secure their vehicles, positioning them amongst the most well-defended motors in Britain.
Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, a company dedicated to vehicle protection, has praised the advancements made by the renowned British marque. He also emphasised the ongoing battle to keep stolen cars from being shipped overseas.
He said: “Lexus is making considerable efforts to protect its customers’ cars but JLR suffered a rise in thefts sooner than it and so has had more time to react and develop solutions.
“However, its cars are still being stolen. There is a thriving market overseas for Lexus, JLR and other premium vehicles and we recover many at docksides.”