The Most Stolen Cars In America
Having your car stolen can be a nightmare. From trying to track it down, dealing with insurance companies and coming to terms with the fact that your vehicle may be lost forever, it can be downright frustrating. Surprisingly, cars that are frequently stolen aren't always the Porsches and Ferraris you see in the movies. Some car thieves tend to go for vehicles you wouldn't suspect to be of interest. Many of these thefts occur when car owners make it easy by not using common sense, warning devices, and more. Here's a list of the most stolen cars in America.
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
These are the most stolen SUVs in America, particularly in West Virginia. Thieves tend to go for the year 2000 models, with 898 taken in 2016, and 9,245 total model thefts. Intelligent car thieves follow trends to see what vehicles will get the most bang for the robbery. Car parts can be a hot commodity, and illegal export into other countries is an option as well. You'd be surprised to know that thieves can break in the Jeep's software system which gives them the ability to start the vehicle without a key. The vehicle's UConnect infotainment system can be tapped into merely by using a USB.
This next model quickly gets lost in a crowd, making it an ideal candidate for theft.
Chevrolet Impala
The 2008 Impala is a longstanding favorite among thieves, with 9,749 units stolen in 2016 - mostly from Illinois and Michigan. The vehicle may not scream luxury, but its dull appearance makes it a perfect getaway vehicle, and it's easy to get lost in a lineup of other cars. The Impala isn't easy to steal, as the fuel pump shuts off automatically if someone tries to hotwire it or start the car with something other than the key. It would take some serious research and trial and error to take off with one these. Nonetheless, it's a frequent occurrence.
Up next is not only a family favorite but popular amongst shady criminals as well.
Toyota Corolla
A total of 1288 criminals took off with other people's 2015 Corollas, and 11,989 thieves were fans of different models in 2016. Quality and reliability could be a significant factor on why thieves prefer the Corolla for their shady movements. The vehicle is ranked as a consumer favorite, and there is a high demand for its technology, accessories, and parts. Corollas can also cost more to be insured due to high levels of theft reported throughout the years. This vehicle is perfect for cruising, giving thieves the advantage of getting away smoothly.
Read on for the next most stolen car choice; it's a risky one...
Dodge Pick-Up
While making a getaway in a pickup truck might not seem like the best idea, it didn't stop many thieves from taking the risk. A total of 1,288 2001 Dodge pickups were stolen in 2016, with 12,128 total model thefts. Dodge is known for its undeniable power andability to transport, so it's no surprise it would be a reliable option for criminals. The nationwide favorite has been crowned 'Motor Trend Truck of the Year' five times. Evidently, that award means something to car thieves as well.
The next vehicle is not known for power but makes an attractive choice for thievery.
Nissan Altima
The Altima is also a big contender with car thieves and has a high-value market for shoppers. The sporty sedan isn't as popular as the Toyota but works just as well for a car thief trying to fly under the radar. Since its 1981 inception, the Altima has sold 2.9 million units. It's 2015 model was stolen 1,673 times in the last year in Florida, with 12,221 total model thefts. Although some models have smart keys, thieves can still use scanners and devices to bypass those measures. Aftermarket navigation systems and fancy stereos are often put into vehicles like the Altima, giving thieves another reason to take off with the car.
Your grandma's choice of vehicle is a lot hotter on the market than you think...
Toyota Camry
Another popular stolen Toyota model is the Camry, outranking the Corolla as the most stolen and recovered. The Camry also has a high demand for parts and accessories, appealing to thieves who are looking to make some quick cash. The 2016 model was stolen 1,113 times and 16,732 total model thefts, mostly from Rhode Island and Virginia. Vehicles like the Camry tend to be a little easier to break into, and are usually more profitable. Being one of the best selling vehicles also means parts aren't cheap and quite a few have been in accidents, giving thieves another reason to steal and sell.
No pickup truck is safe; the next one is also a popular choice.
Chevy Pick-Up
Surprisingly, pickup trucks are a popular option among thieves. The Chevy pickup quickly falls victim to being reported as stolen with 2,107 units of the 2004 model taken in 2016, and 31,238 total models. Also a customer favorite, the pickup truck has been mostly reported stolen from rural areas like Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, and more. It also boasts high demand in the black market for parts. The pickup truck comes in handy when stealing things besides the vehicle itself. It has an ample flatbed to tow away furniture, electronics, and more.
The next pickup is one of the most popular among criminals.
Ford Pick Up
Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, and more are home to the pickup truck that is most stolen in the US. 32,721 units were taken in 2016, 2,986 being the 2006 model. The F-150 is most popular, considering it's the best-selling truck, thieves could have one stolen and sold in a short amount of time. Being a reliable work truck also makes it a great contender to get swiped. Ford pickups are aplenty, so getting away with one isn't going to be too complicated. Trucks tend to be more durable than other vehicles and high seating offer thieves better visibility of steering away from onlookers or the authorities.
The next car may be compact but is swiped most often.
Honda Civic
Since its 1972 debut, the Honda Civic has been a hot commodity, especially amongst younger drivers. There have been over seven million Civics sold in the US alone and is popular in Canada as well. There have been 7,578 units of the 1998 model stolen in 2016, with a total of 49,547 other models. The popularity of the vehicle has it being taken from places like New Jersey, New York, Washington, Maryland, and more. The Civic is one the most common vehicles, so it would be easy for a thief to make money off parting the car out and selling things individually. Often, thieves could make double the price of the vehicle just by selling the car piece by piece.
The car coming up is most stolen and retains its resale value on the market.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord's popularity is surpassed by many, its fame circling its economic and reliable qualities. With so many of them gracing the roads, Accords are inevitably a natural choice for car thieves. There were 7,527 units of 1997 models stolen in 2016, and a total of 50,427 with other models. Accords last forever, sometimes upwards of 20 years, and some surpass the three hundred thousand kilometer mark. The Accord is a top seller throughout the US which means more accidents and more people needing parts. Parts of the Accord can be used across different model years, so like the Civic, thieves can get more than the value of the vehicle by parting it out.