An estimated 2,650 cars are stolen each and every day in the USA. That equals about one car, SUV, minivan or pick-up truck stolen every 33 seconds. So, in the time it takes you to read this article, two vehicles could have been stolen. Or three, depending on how quickly you read.
It’s not just fancy cars being nabbed. Or new ones. Older cars are popular targets, for their parts, and they are easier to steal because they don’t have the anti-theft technology of newer models. Older vehicles usually go straight to so-called ‘chop shops’ where they are taken apart and sold, piece by piece.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau,, none of the most stolen vehicles in 2008, which is the most recent year of statistics available, were new models. The top ten most stolen cars are golden oldies.
- 1. 1994 Honda Accord
- 2. 1995 Honda Civic
- 3. 1989 Toyota Camry
- 4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
- 5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
- 6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
- 7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
- 8. 1994 Acura Integra
- 9. 1999 Ford Taurus
- 10. 2002 Ford Explorer
Even if you don’t have one of these theft-prone cars, drive smart and park smart to avoid becoming a victim of auto theft.
From the Club to VIN etching, there are many products designed specifically to prevent auto theft. An added bonus is that anti-theft and tracking devices can help you qualify for a discount on your auto insurance, reports the insurance company Esurance.
Read more of my articles on automotive safety, maintenance and repair, on my Green Car pages on Examiner.com.
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