Drivers of three popular cars sent thieves warning

Motorists are being urged to increase their vigilance during the winter months, as motoring experts highlight three popular cars as prime targets for thieves. The vehicles in question – the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, and BMW 3 Series – have been identified as some of the most stolen models in recent data.

The ubiquitous Ford Fiesta tops the list of preferred targets, largely due to its substantial presence on UK roads with approximately 1.5 million units driven daily. This is compounded by the fact that production of new models has stopped, elevating the demand for parts and making Fiestas even more attractive to criminals.

As winter sets in, car theft figures traditionally climb. One particularly risky practice drivers engage in, according to experts, is leaving engines running unattended to defrost windscreens, which makes it easy for opportunistic thieves to make off with the vehicle.

Adding to the risk, the early onset of darkness in winter facilitates would-be thieves to prowl without easy detection. Commenting on the seasonal threat, Rhydian Jones, a car insurance expert from Confused.com, advised: "Winter brings shorter days and it's darker earlier, making it a crucial time for drivers to be extra cautious about car theft."

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"That's as this time of year can often see an increase in opportunist thieves. Our recent data shows that popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf and BMW 3 Series are among the most stolen vehicles in the UK. And, with more cars stolen from streets outside drivers homes (28%) than any other location, it's important to take a few simple steps to ensure your car is safe."

"To keep your car safe, you should:".