Vehicle theft across the West Midlands has fallen by 15.5% over the past two years, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster has announced.
The latest data shows that 12,196 vehicle theft offences were recorded in 2025 – down 8.8% from 13,375 in 2024, and a significant reduction from 14,441 offences in 2023. The figures demonstrate a sustained downward trend in vehicle crime across the region.
The PCC has welcomed the continued fall as a sign that ongoing policing activity and partnership work are helping to drive down vehicle theft.
Alongside the overall reduction, the newly published Vehicle Theft Index 2026 provides further insight into the vehicles most frequently targeted by offenders.
Most stolen vehicle brands in the West Midlands (2025)
| RANK | MAKE | VEHICLES STOLEN (2025) | CHANGE FROM 2024 |
| 1 | Ford | 2,375 | -19.4% |
| 2 | Toyota | 1,099 | +7.6% |
| 3 | BMW | 781 | -11.6% |
| 4 | Nissan | 753 | -12.0% |
| 5 | Mercedes | 633 | -29.1% |
| 6 | Land Rover | 483 | -37.6% |
| 7 | Volkswagen | 445 | -16.5% |
| 8 | Vauxhall | 437 | -18.8% |
| 9 | Audi | 412 | -30.8% |
| 10 | Jaguar | 283 | -4.1% |
| 11 | Peugeot | 237 | -18.8% |
| 12 | Hyundai | 233 | -19.7% |
| 13 | KIA | 215 | -20.4% |
| 14 | Mitsubishi | 146 | +64.0% |
| 15 | Honda | 144 | -14.3% |
| 16 | Renault | 133 | -7.6% |
| 17 | Citroen | 132 | -32.0% |
| 18 | Lexus | 130 | +0.8% |
| 19 | Fiat | 126 | -41.9% |
| 20 | Seat | 114 | -29.2% |
(Source: Vehicle Theft Index 2026, Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner)
The data confirms that Ford remains the most stolen vehicle brand in the West Midlands, despite a substantial 19.4% reduction in thefts compared to 2024.
However, the report also highlights shifting trends in offending. Mitsubishi vehicles experienced the largest increase in thefts, rising by 64% in 2025, while Toyota thefts increased by 7.6%. When adjusted for the number of registered vehicles, Mitsubishi models were the most at risk, with 27 thefts per 1,000 registered vehicles.
West Midlands PCC Simon Foster said: “While there is still more work to do, I welcome this continued reduction in vehicle theft across the West Midlands, with offences falling by 15.5% over the past two years.
“This progress reflects the determined action of West Midlands Police, working alongside partners and local communities, to tackle crime, target offenders and protect the public.
“However, we cannot be complacent. While Ford vehicles remain the most stolen, we are seeing increases in other brands – particularly Mitsubishi – which is a clear reminder that criminals are constantly adapting.
“That is why I will continue to hold policing to account to tackle vehicle crime and call on vehicle manufacturers to continue to strengthen security measures, helping to better protect drivers and reduce opportunities for crime.”
Ongoing action
The reduction in vehicle theft follows continued action and investment led by the PCC, including strengthening neighbourhood and roads policing, supporting targeted enforcement activity and working with partners to tackle organised vehicle crime.
The PCC has also continued to call on manufacturers to continue to treat vehicle security as a top priority, urging continuous improvement to help prevent theft and protect motorists.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take simple preventative steps, such as using additional security devices, parking in well-lit areas, and protecting keyless entry vehicles from signal theft.
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