New data reveals a concerning spike in thefts of Toyota vehicles in the West Midlands, even as most other car brands see declines in stolen vehicle incidents.
Vehicle theft in the region is generally trending downward, with a 15.5% reduction over the past two years. Most of the top 13 stolen car models recorded fewer thefts last year compared to 2024—except for Toyota. Theft reports involving Toyota vehicles increased by 7.6%, rising to 1,099 cases.
Notably, the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT electric vehicle has been flagged as an emerging favorite target among thieves. Other popular Toyota models such as the RAV4, Corolla, Yaris, and HiLux remain common in theft reports as well.
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Ford continues to hold the unenviable position as the most stolen car brand in the West Midlands, with the Ford Fiesta being the most frequently stolen model. Although there were 2,375 Ford thefts recorded in 2025, this marks an almost 20% decrease from the previous year.
Other significant declines include thefts of BMW (down 11%), Nissan (down 12%), Mercedes (down 29%), and Land Rover (down 36%). Conversely, thefts of Mitsubishi vehicles rose sharply by 64%, reaching 146 cases.
Police authorities express cautious optimism, emphasizing a sustained downward trend in vehicle crime yet acknowledging that criminals adapt rapidly. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster highlighted the ongoing commitment to reducing vehicle crime and urged manufacturers to enhance vehicle security measures to protect drivers more effectively.