The landscape of vehicle crime in the United Kingdom is undergoing a significant transformation. Recent data released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for the first six months of 2026 has brought to light a distinct tactical shift among automotive criminals. Rather than exclusively pursuing high-value luxury models, thieves are increasingly exploiting the vulnerabilities of mass-market, keyless vehicles. For fleet managers overseeing diverse ranges of commercial cars, crossovers, and electric vehicles, understanding this shift is no longer optional. It is a critical component of risk management, operational security, and safeguarding your company’s bottom line.
Right, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. If you’re running a fleet, you need to know exactly what you’re up against this year. The latest figures analysed by Tempcover show exactly which models are catching the eye of car thieves right now. Also highlighting why keyless technology is a double-edged sword.
The Data: Which Vehicles Are Being Targeted?
In the first half of 2026, the Nissan Juke Tekna CVT topped the list as the UK’s most stolen car, with 197 recorded thefts. Coming in second was the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT, sitting at 160 thefts.
But perhaps the biggest wake-up call for fleet operators is the sudden rise in electric vehicle (EV) thefts. For the entirety of 2025, not a single fully electric car made the top 20 list. Fast forward to the first six months of 2026, and four fully electric models are already sitting in the top 20. If your business is transitioning to a greener fleet, vehicle security needs to be right at the top of your agenda.
Why Keyless Tech is Putting Fleets at Risk
You might be wondering why practical, everyday crossovers like the Juke Tekna are suddenly prime targets. It ultimately comes down to a perfect storm of widespread road presence and accessible technology.
Because high-spec trims often feature keyless entry and push-button start as standard, they are incredibly exposed to “relay attacks.” This is a tactic where thieves use electronic devices to intercept the signal from a key fob, bypass the car’s immobiliser, and drive away in seconds without ever needing a physical key.
The reality for fleet managers is simple: high production volumes mean more company cars on the road running the exact same keyless tech. Once thieves figure out how to bypass a specific system, they suddenly have access to thousands of vehicles nationwide.
Actionable Steps to Protect Your Fleet
As a fleet manager, it’s vital to get your drivers on board with a solid security routine. Here are a few practical steps you can implement today to keep your assets safe:
- Block the signal: Encourage your drivers to keep their keys in a metal box or a signal-blocking Faraday pouch when they are at home. This simple habit stops relay attacks dead in their tracks.
- Park smart: Always advise drivers to park in well-lit, public areas. Ideally, they should use car parks that are security patrolled, covered by CCTV, or located within a secure physical area.
- Go back to basics with physical locks: It might seem a bit old-school, but popping a steering lock or brake lock on a vehicle is a massive visual deterrent that often makes thieves walk away.
- Secure EV companion apps: If your fleet includes EVs, basic passwords on companion apps aren’t enough anymore. Ensure drivers set up a PIN or biometric lock, keep software updated, and always lock charging cables to prevent component theft. Don’t let them leave apps logged in on unlocked phones.
How Fleet Service GB Can Help Secure Your Vehicles
Managing driver habits and keeping track of your assets is a massive job, but you don’t have to do it alone. Fleet Service GB provides integrated tools to keep your business moving securely and efficiently.
Through our Fleet Service GB Fleet Management solutions, we give you total visibility over your assets. Using our proprietary Achieve Technology Platform, we seamlessly integrate fleet tracking and telematics so you can monitor vehicle locations and usage in real-time. If the worst does happen and a vehicle is stolen, having that tracking data on hand is absolutely vital for a quick recovery.
Of course, your vehicles are only as safe as the people driving them. With Fleet Service GB Driver Management, we help you meet your complete Duty of Care. We can help you implement targeted driver training and update your company handbooks so that every single driver knows exactly how to secure their keyless entry vehicles properly at the end of the working day.
Wrapping Up
Vehicle crime is evolving, and relying on factory-standard security simply isn’t enough to protect your business anymore. By understanding the risks associated with keyless tech and EVs, you can put the right physical and digital deterrents in place to protect your fleet.
Ready to take the stress out of managing and securing your company vehicles? Head over to the Fleet Service GB Fleet Management page today, or explore our Fleet Service GB Driver Management services to see how we can act as a true, 24/7 extension of your team.
FAQs About Keyless Car Thefts and Fleet Security
What is a relay attack in car theft?
A relay attack happens when criminals use electronic devices to intercept and boost the signal from a keyless fob inside a house or building, tricking the car into thinking the key is nearby so they can unlock and start the vehicle.
How can I stop my keyless car from being stolen?
You can prevent keyless car theft by storing your keys in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch or metal box. Additionally, using a physical steering wheel lock and parking in well-lit, CCTV-monitored areas provides a strong visual deterrent.
Why are electric vehicles (EVs) suddenly being targeted more by thieves?
As EVs become more mass-market, thieves are adapting to their technology. Many EVs rely heavily on companion apps and digital keys, which criminals can easily exploit if the apps aren’t properly secured with biometric locks or strong PINs.
How does fleet tracking help with vehicle security?
Modern fleet tracking and telematics allow fleet managers to monitor vehicle locations in real-time. If a vehicle is stolen, this tracking data can be passed directly to the police, significantly increasing the chances of a quick recovery.