Hilux theft skyrockets as Range Rover falls from number 1 stolen spot

New data from specialist loss adjuster QuestGates shows a 549% increase in Toyota Hilux thefts, making the pickup a growing concern for business operators across the UK. Once rarely targeted, the Hilux has now become a prime target — particularly due to its strong resale value, export demand, and vulnerability to keyless entry attacks.

For years, the top target for thieves was the Range Rover, which saw over 5,500 thefts in 2022 alone. But thanks to major immobiliser upgrades and other countermeasures introduced by JLR, Range Rover thefts have since dropped sharply — by 47% for the Sport and 27% for the Evoque last year.

According to QuestGates, fleets should consider investing in tracking systems, signal-blocking Faraday pouches, and mechanical steering locks to reduce risk. The rise in thefts isn’t just a security issue — it’s now a serious threat to vehicle downtime, insurance premiums, and operational resilience.