Research revealed by TRACKER supports reports that the threat of keyless car theft is increasing – including relay attacks. TRACKER data reveals that 88% of stolen vehicles fitted with one of its devices, which were successfully recovered in 2018, were stolen without using the owner’s keys. An increase from 80% stolen by this method in 2017, but a more significant and worrying increase of 22% compared with 2016 (66%).

In 2018, prestige brands reigned supreme, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover and Range Rover models stealing all 10 places; Mercedes-Benz took a record four of the top 10 spots.

The BMW 3 Series has moved from fifth to third place in the last 12 months, pushing the Range Rover Sport down from third in 2017 to eighth. The Range Rover Vogue makes a reappearance, after dropping off the top 10 in 2017, confirming that it’s back on the shopping list for car thieves.

In contrast, the Land Rover Discovery was a new entry last year and hangs on in seventh place in 2018.

The VW Golf disappeared from TRACKER’s most stolen and recovered table last year. Despite its popularity, it has only appeared in the TRACKER league table three times since 2009, first appearing in 2010.

Audi also slipped off the TRACKER Top Ten Most Stolen and Recovered ranking, with the Audi RS4 having taken tenth position in 2017.

Although prestige brands remain the top targets for thieves, the average value of stolen and recovered cars in 2018 was £20,000. The least expensive recovery was a Toyota Landcruiser worth just £1,000 with the most expensive being a Rolls Royce Ghost worth £120,000.