Though trucks were not the most stolen vehicles in 2015, three brands ranked in the top 10, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Though Honda sedans took the number one and two spots, full-size Ford pickups took third place, while Chevrolet trucks were ranked fourth and Ram pickups were the sixth most stolen vehicles last year, according to NICB’s Hot Wheels list which was released this week.
Plenty of late model vehicles made the list, which shows that anti-theft technology still has room for improvement.
“While older vehicles still dominate our Hot Wheels most stolen list, the number of late model vehicles with anti-theft protection on the list goes to show that technology isn’t foolproof,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle.
“Criminals are doing their best to defeat anti-theft technology through hacking and other means while, at the same time, manufacturers and others are working to improve security.
“Far too often, drivers leave their vehicles unlocked or with the keys inside, making it way too easy for an opportunistic thief. And as we noted recently, many stolen cars are not reported as typical thefts to police because many of today’s thefts are financial crimes involving complicated VIN switching, cloning, straw buyers, illegal exports and other sophisticated criminal methods.”
For 2015, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were (total thefts in parentheses):
1. 1996 Honda Accord (52,244)
2. 1998 Honda Civic (49,430)
3. 2006 Ford Pickup (Full Size) (29,396)
4. 2004 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) (27,771)
5. 2014 Toyota Camry (15,466)
6. 2001 Dodge Pickup (Full Size) (11,212)
7. 2014 Toyota Corolla (10,547)
8. 2015 Nissan Altima (10,374)
9. 2002 Dodge Caravan (9,798)
10. 2008 Chevrolet Impala (9,225)
NICB continues to advise all drivers to review the four “Layers of Protection”:
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 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.
