Maybe it’s the value of the battery pack, or perhaps some modern car parts make hybrids more appealing to chop shops? Either way, this research seems to suggest that there is an increased theft risk. Here’s the word;
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Hybrid vehicles face 2.3x higher theft risk than petrol cars, with a theft rate of 0.46 per cent
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Electric vehicles are 1.1x more likely to be stolen than petrol cars (0.22 per cent vs 0.20 per cent)
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Low-emission vehicles account for 43 per cent of all thefts despite representing just 39 per cent of the market
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Hybrids are over-represented in theft statistics, making up 1.6 per cent of thefts from just 0.7 per cent of registrations
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4.4 electric vehicles are stolen daily across the UK
The Hybrid Vehicle Crisis
Hybrid vehicles present the highest theft risk of any fuel type, with 183 vehicles stolen from the 39,423 registered between 2022 and 2024. This theft rate of 0.46 per cent means hybrid owners face more than double the risk compared to petrol vehicle drivers.
The concentration of hybrid thefts is particularly concerning given their relatively small market presence. While hybrids represent less than 1 per cent of all vehicle registrations, they account for 1.6 per cent of all vehicle thefts—a 2.2 times over-representation that highlights their particular vulnerability.
Electric Vehicles: A Growing Target
While showing a lower theft rate than Hybrid vehicles, EVs still face 1.1x higher risk than petrol cars. With 4,813 EVs stolen from 2.1 million registrations, electric vehicle owners face a 0.22 per cent theft rate, which is equivalent to 4.4 vehicles being stolen every day.
The data show that electric vehicles are slightly overrepresented in theft statistics, accounting for 41.3 per cent of all thefts, despite making up just 38.3 per cent of vehicle registrations. This suggests that as EV adoption accelerates, criminal networks are rapidly adapting their methods to target these high-value vehicles.
Why Green Vehicles Are Under Attack
Several factors contribute to the elevated theft risk for electric and hybrid vehicles:
High-Value Components: Lithium-ion batteries and electric motors command premium prices on the black market, with replacement costs often exceeding £15,000.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Ongoing shortages of electric vehicle parts make stolen components particularly valuable to illegal dealers.
Advanced Keyless Systems: Many electric and hybrid vehicles feature sophisticated keyless entry systems that, paradoxically, can be more vulnerable to relay attacks than traditional keys.
Export Demand: International markets for electric vehicle components drive organised criminal interest in UK theft.
Expert Protection Tips for Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Owners
Given the elevated risks facing electric and hybrid vehicle owners, Yellowhite‘s automotive security experts recommend a comprehensive multi-layered approach to vehicle protection:
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Physical Security Measures
Steering Wheel Locks: Despite being a traditional solution, visible steering wheel locks remain highly effective deterrents, particularly for high-value electric and hybrid vehicles. Criminals often seek easy targets and will move on when faced with obvious physical barriers.
Wheel Locks: For vehicles with expensive alloy wheels or specialist EV tyres, consider locking wheel nuts to prevent wheel theft – a growing issue as electric vehicle wheels and tyres command premium prices. - Keyless Entry Protection
Signal Blocking Storage: Store all key fobs in signal-blocking pouches or Faraday boxes when at home. Many hybrid and electric vehicles use always-on key fobs that continuously transmit signals, making them vulnerable to relay attacks even inside your home.
Two-Key Policy: If your vehicle came with two key fobs, store one in a signal-blocking container at home and only carry the other when needed. This prevents criminals from accessing both keys simultaneously.
Key Fob Distance: When parking at home, ensure key fobs are stored as far from the vehicle as possible – ideally on an upper floor or at the opposite end of your property. -
Technological Solutions
OBD Port Locks: Electric and hybrid vehicles often have sophisticated on-board diagnostic systems that can be exploited by criminals to program new keys. OBD port locks prevent access to these systems.
Battery Immobilisers: Consider aftermarket battery immobilisation systems specifically designed for electric vehicles, which prevent the high-voltage battery from being easily removed.
GPS Tracking: Install professional-grade GPS tracking systems with real-time alerts. Select systems with backup power sources that remain operational even if the main vehicle battery is disconnected. - Parking and Storage Security
Charging Point Security: If you have a home charging point, install security cameras covering the charging area and ensure adequate lighting. Many EV thefts occur during charging when vehicles are stationary for extended periods.
Garage Storage: Where possible, store electric and hybrid vehicles in locked garages. If using a garage, consider additional security measures such as garage door locks and motion sensors.
Public Charging Awareness: When using public charging points, avoid leaving vehicles unattended for long periods and choose well-lit, monitored locations. -
Insurance and Documentation
Enhanced Coverage: Ensure your insurance policy covers the full replacement cost of electric vehicle components, including batteries. Standard policies may not cover the high replacement costs of EV-specific parts.
Regular Photos: Maintain current photographs of your vehicle, including charging equipment and any modifications, to assist with insurance claims and police investigations.
VIN Etching: Consider having your vehicle’s VIN etched onto major components, including the battery pack, to aid recovery and deter parts theft.
The Financial Impact
The elevated theft risk for electric and hybrid vehicles has significant financial implications for owners. Replacement costs for stolen electric vehicles often exceed £40,000, while hybrid battery replacements alone can cost £8,000 to £15,000.
Insurance premiums for electric and hybrid vehicles are already rising in response to increased theft rates, with some insurers reporting 20-30 per cent higher premiums for high-risk electric models compared to equivalent petrol vehicles.
Looking Forward
As the UK accelerates towards its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, the concentration of valuable electric and hybrid vehicles on UK roads will only increase. The data suggests that criminal networks are already adapting to this shift, with organised groups specifically targeting electric vehicle components for both domestic resale and international export.
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