Hot Wheels: 10 most stolen cars of 2013

A new report published this week identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the US.

The annual Hot Wheels report published by America’s National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Centre (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2013.

For 2013, the most stolen vehicles in the US were (total thefts in brackets):

1. Honda Accord (53,995)
2. Honda Civic     (45,001)
3. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) (27,809)
4. Ford Pickup (Full Size) (26,494)
5. Toyota Camry   (14,420)
6. Dodge Pickup (Full Size) (11,347)
7. Dodge Caravan (10,911)
8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (9,272)
9. Toyota Corolla  (9,010)
10. Nissan Altima   (8,892)
 
The following are the top 10 2013 model year vehicles stolen during calendar year 2013:

1. Nissan Altima     (810)
2.  Ford Fusion      (793)
3.  Ford Pickup Full Size (775)
4.  Toyota Corolla  (669)
5.  Chevrolet Impala (654)
6.  Hyundai Elantra  (541)
7.  Dodge Charger (536)
8.  Chevrolet Malibu (529)
9.  Chevrolet Cruze (499)
10. Ford Focus  (483)

After a slight increase in 2012, the FBI predicts a reduction in national vehicle thefts of 3.2 per cent when final 2013 statistics are released later this year. The peak year for vehicle thefts was 1991 with 1,661,738. If the FBI’s preliminary 2013 vehicle theft estimate holds, thefts will be under 700,000, a number not seen since 1967 and a reduction in vehicle thefts of over 50 per cent since 1991.

“The drop in thefts is good news for all of us,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle.

“But it still amounts to a vehicle being stolen every 45 seconds and losses of over $4 billion a year. That’s why we applaud the vehicle manufacturers for their efforts to improve anti–theft technology and pledge to continue to work with our insurance company members and law enforcement to identify and seek vigorous prosecution of the organized criminal rings responsible for so many of these thefts.”

Nonetheless, drivers must still be vigilant and protect their vehicles from theft. NICB recommends its four “layers of protection” against theft:

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.
Immobilising 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 that 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.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.