Most stolen cars revealed

Vehicle recovery experts Tracker have named the top six most stolen vehicles (fitted with its devices) and it makes grim reading if you are a fan of German Luxury cars. The BMW X5 SUV topped the list, while the Mercedes C-Class and the fast version of the Audi A4 – the S4 – also proved popular with criminals, taking second and third slot, respectively.

The Land Rover Defender (older models have poor security) took fourth place, while the Porsche 911 (fifth) and the Range Rover Sport (sixth) completed the top six.

Adrian Davenport, police liaison officer for Tracker, said: “It’s clear from our latest figures that thieves continue to target prestige models with the most expensive car recovered being worth £90,000.

“The average value of the cars we recovered in 2013 was just £23,600, down on the year before. This proves that you don’t have to be a luxury car owner to be at risk from thieves looking to make a quick profit.”

“The best way to increase the likelihood of your vehicle being recovered, if it is stolen, is to invest in a Tracker unit [more than 90 per cent of vehicles fitted with Trackers are recovered].”

Expensive models that dominate the list have hi-tech security systems that make them almost impossible to steal without the keys and thieves are increasingly breaking into owners’ homes to gain access to their cars.

Police issued advice includes:

1. Don’t leave your car keys on view or placed near windows, doors, or cat-flaps where thieves can see them.
2. Don’t leave valuables on display. Move handbags, wallets or other valuables out of sight.
3. Ensure you lock all doors and windows, even when you are at home.
4. Look like you are in when you are out. If no one is home during the evening, leave a light on or a radio playing. Consider using a timing device.
5. Don’t help the thief. Lock away tools, ladders or other implements outside that thieves could use to gain entry to your home or garage.
6. Fit outside security lighting and an alarm, and ensure they are in working order. Don’t forget to turn them on when you are out and when you go to bed.
7. Remember to lock all gates, sheds and garage doors.
8. Always lock your car and fit a car alarm or tracking device if finances allow. Use them every time you leave your car. Consider using other devices such as steering or wheel locks.
9. If you don’t have a garage, consider fitting sturdy gates to your driveway or always use your garage if you have one, and never leave your car keys in your car.