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Most Stolen Cars in United States
One day a list comes out that says the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are the two most frequently stolen cars in America. Next, you see a list that says the Chrysler Town and Country and the Dodge Intrepid are the vehicles that thieves love most -- and the Camry and Accord are near the bottom of the list.
Confused? It all depends on whose list you're looking at, along with how and why they put it together.
The truth of the matter is the lists investigative and insurance groups put out for popular consumption leave out critical information, such as the model years in top demand. What's more, they compile their lists from different data, in different ways for different reasons and for different audiences.
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How the lists work
The National Insurance Crime Bureau puts out the list of stolen cars most often referred to in the media each year. Other lists, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and CCC Information Services Inc., also proclaim what cars are most often stolen. The agencies that compile these lists are not out to confuse you. Whereas NICB lists are taken from the FBI reports, the lists from CCC, a software firm, are from the total losses submitted to it by more than 350 property and casualty insurers.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the nation’s motor vehicle thieves continue to favor imports over domestic brands as their target of opportunity.
And while the types of vehicles being stolen remain consistent from year to year, overall car theft in the U.S. declining.
"The continuing national decrease in vehicle theft is a positive sign that the fight against vehicle theft by law enforcement, the insurance industry and the NICB continues to be effective"
NICB's Free VIN Check
NICB's VINCheck is a service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by cooperating NICB members. To perform a search a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is required.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has compiled a list of the top 10 vehicles most frequently reported stolen in the U.S : The popular 1995 Honda Civic continues to be the top pick among thieves,
With increasingly sophisticated theft-deterrent devices reaching the automotive market, one would think auto thieves may be forced out of business. In fact, the car theft trade is alive and well.
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- Honda Civic (1995)
- Honda Accord (1991)
- Toyota Camry (1989)
- Ford F-150 (1997)
- Chevrolet C/K 1500 (1994)
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- Acura Integra (1994)
- Dodge Ram Pickup (2004)
- Nissan Sentra (1994)
- Toyota Pickup (1988)
- Toyota Corolla (2007)
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Older models are stolen more often so that the parts can be distributed among unscrupulous auto body shops and mechanics who then install them in your car.
Toyota and Honda parts are especially in great demand since they fit different models of their make from the same year -- more like universal donors.
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What You Can Do To Protect Your Vehicle
- Keep your keys with you and lock your vehicle at all times
Lot of stolen cars is taken with the keys in it. Half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.
- Don't leave your vehicle running
Never leave your car running unless you're in the driver's seat.
- Park in well-lit, attended areas. Lights and people will deter most car thieves.
- Keep your vehicle's windows and sunroofs completely closed. Even a small opening in a car window can provide enough room for thieves to work their way in.
- Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle, especially in visible areas. Keep bags and packages out of sight and make sure things like stereo equipment are theft protected.
- Use theft-prevention devices
Car alarms (particularly when the vehicle is marked as being alarmed) help deter theft. Steering wheel locks, protective steering columns, and car-disabling locks for the ignition, fuel, and other systems make it more difficult for a thief to drive away. Tracking systems, which help the police locate a vehicle if it is stolen, improve the chances of recovery.
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