Ford Escort Mk3: This golden oldie was a babe-magnet in the 1980s, but rust and age have taken their toll. Nevertheless, the hot XR3i and sporty RS Turbo still catches the eye of the British car thief.

Why thieves like it: Like most 80s Fords, security was far from air-tight on the Mk3 Escort. Immobilisers and alarms came on to the market after the XR3i and RS Turbo's release, making them a target for thieves.

How to stop it being stolen: Park it safely and try to avoid dark car parks.