The number one reason for vehicle break-ins is unlocked cars. Potential thieves search for an easy target until they find one and then you are left with a stolen car. Vehicles left unlocked with valuables in plain sight are an open invitation to criminals. It is important to get in the habit of locking your vehicle every time you exit it even if it is only for a few minutes. Having your vehicle stolen is not only a huge inconvenience but can also be traumatizing for the victim. Following the theft of a car, the owner may have feelings of anxiety, uneasiness, paranoia, and fear. They may feel targeted and unsafe, not to mention extremely stressed. Vehicles are most individual’s main form of transportation and without their car, they cannot adhere to their daily routine and responsibilities.
Most Common Stolen Cars
According to the National Highway Traffic safety Administration, a vehicle is stolen every 46 seconds in the United States. There are certain vehicles that tend to more stolen more than others. Knowing which vehicles are more likely to be targeted can prepare the individuals that own those types of cars to make an effort to prevent auto theft of their car. Additionally, this is good information for future car buyers when they are making a decision for which vehicle they are in the market for. The Department of Motor Vehicles reports the top ten stolen vehicles are:
- Honda Accord
- Honda Civic
- Ford Pick-Up Truck (full size)
- Chevrolet Pick-Up Truck (full size)
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altima
- Dodge Pick-Up Truck (full size)
- Toyota Corolla
- Chevrolet Impala
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
Most Common Locations for Stolen Cars
Unfortunately, there are certain cities in the U.S. that have a higher number of auto thefts reported. Although most people will not move if they live in one of the below listed locations, it can help motivate car owners to take necessary precautions to help prevent theft of your vehicle. Owners of these particular vehicles can be more prepared and aware that auto theft is prevalent in their area. The National Insurance Crime Bureau compiled the top ten locations for vehicle theft in the United States.
- Albuquerque, NM
- Pueblo, CO
- Bakersfield, CA
- Modesto, CA
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
- Anchorage, AK
- Merced, CA
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Billings, MT
What To Do If Your Car is Stolen
If your vehicle is stolen, don’t panic. Report the theft immediately to the police and to your insurance company. However, before you begin making these phone calls you will need to gather specific information that you will be asked to provide. Having this information ready for both law enforcement and your insurance company can help recover your vehicle more quickly and successfully. If you do not currently know the details of your vehicle listed below, take a minute to record this vital information for all of the vehicles in your household. Keep this information safe and protected in your phone rather than on a piece of paper in your car because if your car is stolen you won’t be able to access it.
- Vehicle year
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle color
- VIN Number
- Model
- License Plate
- Insurance Company
- Policy Number
- Registrant
Preventing Auto Theft
The National Crime Prevention Council urges you to follow several tips to reduce the risk of having your vehicle stolen. Although thieves can still potentially steal your car even if you follow all of these suggestions, these tips will make it more challenging for them and hopefully provide a deterrent.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition
- Lock your doors, even when parked in front of your home
- If you have a garage, utilize it and park your vehicle inside
- Always keep your windows closed when your vehicle is parked and unoccupied
- Install a security system and have a camera pointed in the direction of your vehicle
- Park in busy and well-lighted areas
- Do not leave valuables such as GPS and cell phone in plain view
- Equip your vehicle with an alarm or anti-theft device
- Never leave your vehicle registration or other personal documents in your vehicle
- Report auto theft immediately
Sources: Protect Your Vehicle, Most Stolen Cars and Other Vehicles, Cities With Highest Car Theft Rates
Picture Credit: Pixabay
