Warning after 'spike' in Ford Fiesta thefts

Gareth Cartwright had a disrupted Christmas after his Ford Fiesta was stolen

Owners of Ford Fiestas are being asked to stay vigilant after a police force reported a rise in thefts.

Humberside Police urged people to "fit a tracker or tracking device" following the incidents in East Yorkshire.

Gareth Cartwright, from Bridlington, had his Fiesta stolen just before Christmas in what he described as a "really traumatising experience".

Meanwhile, a "spike" in cases was reported by officers in Goole, with keyless models among the cars being stolen.

The Ford Fiesta is the best-selling car of all time in the UK, leading to a demand for parts, an expert believes

Mr Cartwright said: "I'm normally quite a calm person but when it happened I had a meltdown pretty much."

The teacher works an hour away from his home and was concerned about the financial implications of getting another car.

"It was a huge inconvenience for me, it knocked me off kilter for a few days. While I was at work I couldn't focus, it was a really traumatising experience."

His car was found after an appeal on social media.

"The Stolen Vehicles East Yorkshire group notified me that several other Fiestas had gone missing and there was a big search on.

"Somebody spotted it in Hornsea abandoned next to a main road."

While he admitted he was fortunate to have his car returned, he said: "Other people out there still haven't got them back.

"They need them. They could be elderly people and this is their main source of seeing other people and getting to appointments."

The Ford Fiesta has been on the roads of the UK for almost 50 years

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, the Ford Fiesta is the best selling car of all time in the UK.

But its widespread appeal has also made it a target for thieves.

Data obtained from the DVLA through a freedom of information request showed 5,979 Fiestas were stolen in the 12 months up to March 2023, a 53% rise on the previous year.

In 2022, Ford announced it was stopping making the Fiesta from June 2023, in favour of producing a new electric model.

Stuart Masson, editor of the The Car Expert, believes Fiestas are being stolen due to demand for cheap parts.

He said: "Because it's been so popular for so many years, unsurprisingly, more Fiestas get involved in car accidents and have breakdowns that need repairs.

"So there is a black market, particularly as times are getting tougher and people have less money to spend.

"Vehicles are being stolen and broken up because there are particular parts that thieves are looking for that they can sell through online marketplaces, car boot sales or selling to body shops."

Humberside Police is asking people to contact them as soon as possible if their vehicle goes missing.

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