The number of thefts is down by more than 300.

New figures reveal which cars were most frequently stolen in the region over the last year.

West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion has published figures detailing how many cars were stolen in the force area for the past two years - and which make.

Across West Mercia (Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire) in 2024/25 a total of 1,645 cars were stolen: 348 in Shropshire and 202 in Telford and Wrekin.

Last year there were 1,335 cars taken in West Mercia: 256 in Shropshire and 170 in Telford and Wrekin. That represented an 18 per cent drop in the number of thefts.

The most stolen brand of car across West Mercia in 2025/26 was Ford, with 216 vehicles taken.

It was followed by Vauxhall with 84, BMW with 79, Nissan with 76, Volkswagen with 65, Peugeot with 59, Land Rover with 58, Audi with 53, Toyota with 51, Mercedes with 50, Honda with 47, Yamaha with 33, Citroen with 30, Fiat with 28, Kia with 18, Lexmoto with 17, Renault with 14, and Mitsubishi with 11.

Mr Campion has welcomed the progress in tackling vehicle crime, and a statement from his office said: “Vehicle theft has been a long-standing priority for the PCC with it being a feature in quarterly assurance anda ccountability meetings with the Chief Constable.

“The PCC has also ensured a greater focus on key car burglary and vehicle crime by providing additional resources to deliver targeted police operations, alongside partners.”

Mr Campion said: “For many people, their car is one of their most valued possessions. It’s vital that policing continues to identify and bring to justice the organised crime groups who seek to profit from stealing them.

“The focus on prevention, whether it’s advice to motorists, handing out vehicle security packs and SmartWater marking kits, alongside a more visible policing presence in areas most at risk, has played a major role in driving down vehicle theft across West Mercia.

“But this isn’t job done. I will continue to ensure West Mercia Police has the resources, scrutiny and support it needs to make the three counties a no‑go zone for criminals.”

Chief Inspector Charles Parker, vehicle crime lead for West Mercia Police, said: “We are pleased to see this big reduction in vehicle crime in West Mercia Police’s force area.

“We have recently seen some good results at court putting the organised crime groups who are often behind these offences behind bars, with many more investigations ongoing and/or coming to court soon.

“However, we do not rest on our laurels over such offences that can deprive people of one of their most expensive purchases after a house, together with the inconvenience and additional impact of rising insurance costs it can bring.

“Our officers will continue to work around the clock to tackle such criminality and proactively offer support and advice to the public to help them protect their vehicles.”