Vehicle Thefts Post Sixth Consecutive Yearly Decline
Hot Wheels 2010, the National Insurance Crime Bureau's companion study to its popular Hot Spots auto theft report, examines data reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model, and model year most reported stolen in 2009.
For 2009, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were:
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 2009 Toyota Corolla
Hot Wheels is the only report that examines all theft data without regard to a vehicle's insured status. Other reports focus on insured losses and those results offer an incomplete view of the vehicle theft landscape. For example, certain models of older cars and trucks are popular with thieves because of the value of their parts—but many are not insured against theft. Whereas newer, more expensive and insured vehicles are often stolen to be resold intact with counterfeit vehicle identification numbers or shipped out of the country.
The FBI's just-released 2009 Uniform Crime Report shows that vehicle theft is once again down significantly from the previous year making 2009 the sixth consecutive year of reduced vehicle thefts. In 2008, 956,846 vehicles were reported stolen—the lowest annual total in over 20 years. For 2009 the number is even lower—794,616.
"Through the end of August this year there were 97,655 vehicles that were listed as stolen and not yet recovered," said Joe Wehrle, NICB president and CEO. "Of that number, only 38 percent had some kind of insurance coverage. So there are a lot of vehicles out there that are being stolen and the owner is left holding the bag with no car and no money to buy another one.
"As our Hot Wheels report shows, many of these thefts end up in chop shops where they are turned into replacement parts."
Even though the continuing decline in vehicle thefts is great news, if it happens to you it can be financially devastating and just an all-around hassle. That's why, as part of its Hot Wheels and Hot Spots campaigns each year, NICB urges motorists to follow its "layered approach" to auto theft prevention. By employing these simple, low-cost suggestions people can make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.
NICB's four layers of protection are:
Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.
Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.
Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics" which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
The NICB has a partnership program in place so you can receive a discount on proven theft prevention and recovery products. Go to www.nicb.org for more information.
Considering a used vehicle purchase? Don't buy a headache. Since 2005, NICB has offered VINCheckSM, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Check it out at:
http://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck
Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword "fraud" to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our web site at http://www.nicb.org
For 2009, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were:
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 2009 Toyota Corolla
Hot Wheels is the only report that examines all theft data without regard to a vehicle's insured status. Other reports focus on insured losses and those results offer an incomplete view of the vehicle theft landscape. For example, certain models of older cars and trucks are popular with thieves because of the value of their parts—but many are not insured against theft. Whereas newer, more expensive and insured vehicles are often stolen to be resold intact with counterfeit vehicle identification numbers or shipped out of the country.
The FBI's just-released 2009 Uniform Crime Report shows that vehicle theft is once again down significantly from the previous year making 2009 the sixth consecutive year of reduced vehicle thefts. In 2008, 956,846 vehicles were reported stolen—the lowest annual total in over 20 years. For 2009 the number is even lower—794,616.
"Through the end of August this year there were 97,655 vehicles that were listed as stolen and not yet recovered," said Joe Wehrle, NICB president and CEO. "Of that number, only 38 percent had some kind of insurance coverage. So there are a lot of vehicles out there that are being stolen and the owner is left holding the bag with no car and no money to buy another one.
"As our Hot Wheels report shows, many of these thefts end up in chop shops where they are turned into replacement parts."
Even though the continuing decline in vehicle thefts is great news, if it happens to you it can be financially devastating and just an all-around hassle. That's why, as part of its Hot Wheels and Hot Spots campaigns each year, NICB urges motorists to follow its "layered approach" to auto theft prevention. By employing these simple, low-cost suggestions people can make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.
NICB's four layers of protection are:
Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.
Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.
Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics" which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
The NICB has a partnership program in place so you can receive a discount on proven theft prevention and recovery products. Go to www.nicb.org for more information.
Considering a used vehicle purchase? Don't buy a headache. Since 2005, NICB has offered VINCheckSM, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Check it out at:
http://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck
Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword "fraud" to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our web site at http://www.nicb.org
Related Stories
09/19/2010 07:19 PM: Yamaha Rumbles Into Rough Terrain, Battling Lawsuits Over Its Rhino Off-Road Vehicle [Video] by TimothyTThe Yamaha Rhino roared onto the market in 2003, a new breed of off-road vehicle that first drew raves — and then, an avalanche of lawsuits. ...
08/30/2010 12:28 PM: Feds to unveil new vehicle sticker for 2012 models by Whiplash
Federal regulators are considering giving all new vehicles letter grades on fuel efficiency - a move that could deter consumers from buying the least efficient gas guzzlers. ...
08/24/2010 11:30 AM: LoJack's Top 5 'Hottest' Stolen Vehicle Recoveries of the Summer by TimothyT
It has been an extremely hot summer. And, for LoJack Corporation (Nasdaq: LOJN), the company that invented the stolen vehicle recovery market, it has been a summer of "hot" stolen vehicle...
08/18/2010 03:06 PM: AAA Names Its Top Vehicle Picks for Dog Owners by TimothyT
With more than 80 percent of dog owners taking their canine companions along in their vehicles on errands, leisure rides and day trips, many drivers are taking the safety and comfort of man's best fr...
08/04/2010 09:15 AM: OnStar Cautioning Drivers on Vehicle Heat Danger for Kids by TimothyT
Nation on Pace for Record Number of Child Deaths from Hyperthermia. Only parents and caregivers can be sure their child or pet is not left unattended in a vehicle, but with August’s hot temperatures, ...
