A popular Toyota hybrid model has surged up the list of the UK’s most stolen cars, prompting urgent warnings for owners to enhance their vehicle security. New data reveals that thefts of the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT and C-HR Excel HEV CVT have increased dramatically, making the C-HR the second most stolen car in the country.
Unlike the usual targets such as older models like the Ford Fiesta, thieves are now increasingly focusing on newer electric and hybrid vehicles. According to the DVLA, 437 thefts of the C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT were reported last year, marking a 28% rise from 342 incidents in 2024. Similarly, thefts of the C-HR Excel HEV CVT climbed 39%, from 182 to 253 in the same period.
These figures represent only reported thefts, suggesting the real number could be even higher. Meanwhile, thefts of many other car models declined, highlighting an alarming trend towards targeting hybrids and electric vehicles.
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Motoring experts at Tempcover analysed the DVLA data and issued a warning to owners of these Toyota hybrid models. Jake Lambert from Tempcover emphasized this rise is a “wake-up call” for hybrid and electric car owners not to assume their vehicles are immune to theft.
He advises owners to use standard security measures such as steering locks and recommended tactical precautions including storing key fobs in Faraday pouches or signal-blocking boxes. Parking the car nose-in against a wall or garage door is also advised, as it restricts access to front bumper areas and headlight wiring—common hacking points used by thieves to access the vehicle’s computer system.
With the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles, it’s crucial for owners to stay vigilant and take extra steps to protect their investments from increasingly sophisticated thieves.