The Range Rover Sport has topped the list of the most stolen cars in 2015, according to figures from stolen vehicle recovery firm Tracker.
No less than eight of the models came from German manufacturers while the most sought after and successfully stolen vehicle was the Range Rover Sport, making up one of three Range Rovers in the list, including the Vogue and top-end Autobiography edition.
Of the cars targeted, SUVs make up 50%, also taking up the top three slots. The rest include Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes in the form of four saloons and one estate. Prices of the listed cars range from £25,610 for the BMW 3-Series to £92,450 for the Range Rover Autobiography.
Tracker also released information regarding the 10 regions most blighted by vehicle theft. Unsurprisingly, Greater London is the destination where most cars are stolen and recovered. Surrounding areas Essex, Hertfordshire, and Surrey are also targeted areas. Further North, Merseyside, and Leicestershire are ninth and 10th respectively, finishing off the list.
Car theft techniques have moved on significantly in recent years; in many cases, force isn't required to break into cars anymore. The absence of a traditional key, due to the introduction of keyless entry on many vehicles, makes cars increasingly susceptible to hacking.
This method now accounts for a sizeable proportion of stolen vehicles; in 2014, the Association of Police Officers published data that showed keyless thefts accounted for 44% of Land Rovers stolen.
Top 10 stolen cars in 2015
Range Rover Sport (2013-)
BMW X5 (2013-)
Range Rover Vogue (2013-)
Mercedes-Benz C 220 d (2014-)
BMW 3 Series (2012-)
Mercedes-AMG C 63 (2015-)
BMW 5 Series (2010-)
Audi RS4 (2012-2015)
Range Rover Autobiography (2013-)
Audi Q7 (2015-)
Top 10 regions where cars are stolen and recovered in 2015
Greater London
Greater Manchester
West Midlands
