The National Insurance Crime Bureau “Hot Wheels” program released its top 10 most stolen cars list of 2012 in August of 2013. While data is still incomplete for 2013, the list still presents a picture of the most popular stolen vehicles.
These vehicles were reported stolen to the National Crime Information Center. States report their information to the NCIC to help police track down stolen vehicles.
The “Hot Wheels” program lists were expanded this year to show more data and include lists of all vehicles, and also just of 2012 model year vehicles.
In the overall list Honda held the top two spots with their Accord and Civic models. The Ford and Chevrolet full-size pick-ups came in third and fourth on the list.
The Toyota Camry finished fifth, followed by the Dodge Caravan. The Dodge full-size pickup came in seventh.
The Acura Integra came in eighth place followed by the Nissan Altima and Maxima.
These averages were based throughout the US with different vehicles placing higher or lower in different states. Different vehicles were stolen more frequently based on demand in locations. In New York the Ford Econoline E-350 van is the eighth most stolen vehicle, while Subaru Legacies were popular in states such as Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
The 2012 model year list was different with the Nissan Altima holding the top spot, followed by the Chevrolet Impala and Malibu.
The Toyota Camry was fourth on the list, followed by the Ford Fusion and Ford full-size pickup.
The Ford Focus was seventh on the list and the Chrysler 200 came in eighth place.
The Dodge Charger and Avenger held the final two spots in the top 10 2012 model year list.
California led the US with vehicle thefts, and held eight out of the top 10 spots for vehicle theft in the report. The Modesto, CA area reported 4,260 vehicle thefts for 2012.
According to NICB research, Christmas day is a slow day for car thieves, however New Years Eve and New Years Day are popular days, due to people being out.
Summer months, such as June, July and August are busy months for car thieves, with July being the top month for reported crimes.
Vehicles are most likely stolen on weekends.
Washington leads the US with a stolen vehicle recovery rate of 71 percent, followed by Utah (63 percent) and South Dakota, (61 percent).
Michigan has the lowest recovery rate of 19 percent with Pennsylvania following with 26 percent.
Vehicles can be stolen for many reasons such as joyriding, resale or parts stripping, or to be used in the commission of other crimes.
The NICB recommends a four part strategy to help prevent auto theft.
The first step is using common sense deterrents such as locking your doors and removing your keys. In some states it is actually illegal to leave your keys in the ignition.
The second step is the use of a warning device such as an alarm that alerts the owner when the vehicle is being tampered with.
The third step is the use of immobilization devices, such as hidden switches and fuel shut-offs that will render the vehicle inoperable.
The last step is to use a tracking device to allow authorities to follow the vehicle in case it is stolen.
Drivers are also warned to remove all belongings such as cell phones and GPS’s from view. Large objects should be covered with a blanket or coat to discourage thieves looking for valuable items.
