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Safety
Grand theft auto–The most stolen vehicles
Jul 17, 2008 12:56 AM

1995hondacivictheft You may be worried that your shiny, brand-new car could be a target for theft, but car thieves find older models are more attractive to steal. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) statistics, the 1995 Honda Civic is the vehicle most reported stolen for 2007 and only two out of the top 10 vehicles are later models: the 2004 Dodge Ram pickup (# 7) and 2007 Toyota Corolla (#10). The NICB says thieves target older models because they provide valuable replacement parts.

Early data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) reveals that motor vehicle theft is headed for an 8.9 percent decrease in 2007, according to NICB analysis.

Here is the list of most stolen vehicles:

1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1991 Honda Accord
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 pickup
5. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 pickup
6. 1994 Acura Integra
7. 2004 Dodge Ram pickup
8. 1994 Nissan Sentra
9. 1988 Toyota pickup
10. 2007 Toyota Corolla

Tips on how to avoid a break in or theft:

  • The easiest thing to do is to lock your car and take your keys with you at all times.
  • Never leave your car running unattended.
  • Keep windows closed when driving and parked.
  • Don’t store valuables or expensive electronic devices in plain sight. If you use a windshield-mounted GPS navigation devices, wipe off the telltale suction cup circle from the glass when not in use.
  • Park in a well-lit or public place. Use a garage if you have one available.
  • Use an alarm or visual warning device. These are common on new cars and may be installed aftermarket on older models.
  • Also standard on many late-model cars, smart keys or a fuel cut-offs system, aka engine immobilizer, can add security. Thieves won’t steal a car they cannot start.
  • VIN etching kits are inexpensive and can help protect vehicle glass from being resold after the car is stolen. You don’t need to pay the dealer several hundred dollars for this service when you buy a new car though.
  • For advanced protection, install a GPS or radio frequency tracking system in your vehicle to help police find it.

    • If you are in the market for a used car, see our used car buying advice for information on shopping for a used car, how to avoid a lemon, and how to inspect a used car.

    —Liza Barth

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