There has been a huge surge in thefts of a particular car model, making it one of the most nicked in Britain. Owners are being put on alert with thieves increasingly targeting the Toyota Hilux. There was a massive 549% year-on-year rise in thefts 2024 as over 580 vehicles were stolen. READ MORE: New cameras confirmed for busy Midlands M5 junction - but they are not monitoring speed POLL: Do you support a ban on pavement parking? And it's claimed the Japanese pick-up is becoming a top target for organised criminal gangs. A spokesperson and motoring expert at BigWantsYourCar.com said: "The Hilux has become a goldmine for criminal gangs. "It’s valuable, and relatively easy to strip or ship overseas. "Unfortunately, owners may not realise just how attractive it is to professional thieves.” There are more warnings about gangs using electronic bypass kits and key cloning tech to quietly override a vehicle’s security system without smashing a window or forcing a door. Get all the latest motoring news sent to your inbox by signing up to our new newsletter here Billy Billingham, who has been working with BigWantsYourCar.com to investigate rising car crime, said: "Today was a shocking wake-up call into how bad car and key cloning has gotten in the UK. "The fact that criminals can drive off with your car using a device bought online makes it clear how hard it is to trust the average buyer out there.” The spokesperson added: "Start with the basics: never leave your keys near the front door or windows. "Key signals can be picked up from outside the house and replicated using cheap online gadgets. "That’s how relay theft works - the car thinks the key is next to it. “Also, think about where you park. If your drive is visible from the road, install a motion sensor light or CCTV. "At work, try to park under a streetlamp or near entrances where there’s foot traffic. “A steering lock may feel outdated, but it still works. "Criminals want fast, low-risk jobs. Anything that slows them down or risks drawing attention, like a flashing dash cam or a locked wheel, makes your car less appealing.” Mr Billingham added: "If you own a keyless car or drive one of these models, don’t assume you’re safe. "Take it seriously. These criminals aren’t just stealing cars - they’re stealing livelihoods, time, and peace of mind.”