Motorists have been warned that Lexus cars are now the top target for thieves, overtaking the previously favoured Range Rovers from Jaguar Land Rover.

The DVLA's latest figures indicate that Lexus' cars could now be being targeted more often with five models from the luxury brand featuring in the list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles.

According to the DVLA's analysis of 2024's car theft data, which recorded over 61,000 stolen cars, the Ford Fiesta remains the UK's most stolen car in sheer numbers but falls behind in proportion to the number of cars on the road.

In contrast, the Lexus ES 300 has emerged as the vehicle with the highest likelihood of being taken last year, with an alarming one in 30 taken by thieves.

Other Lexus models at risk include the RX 450, LC 500, UX 250, and NX 300 reports the Mirror.

Following the release of these startling statistics, Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, responded by highlighting their multi-million-pound investment in security measures. They stated: "Toyota GB has invested millions of pounds in a variety of security solutions. Our anti-theft measures form part of a nationwide customer care offering.

"For example, at a cost of more than £10million to Lexus, selected customers were provided with a free Tracker vehicle location service.

"As a result, a 96% recovery rate has been achieved. We have subsequently rolled out Tracker installation as an option for buyers of certain models."

Although the latest statistics cast a sombre mood for Lexus owners, these figures also highlight the progress Jaguar Land Rover has made in safeguarding their vehicles in recent years, establishing them as some of the best-protected cars in the country.

Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, a firm helping people to protect their vehicles against theft, mentioned in a separate statement the leaps made by the esteemed British company. He also acknowledged that efforts must persist to prevent stolen cars from being smuggled abroad.

He noted: "Lexus is making considerable efforts to protect its customers' cars but JLR suffered a rise in thefts sooner than it and so has had more time to react and develop solutions.

"However, its cars are still being stolen. There is a thriving market overseas for Lexus, JLR and other premium vehicles and we recover many at docksides."