Pickups remain popular with thieves at a time when auto theft is at a 51-year high.
In its annual Hot Wheels report released today, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that Ford full-size pickups were the most highly targeted trucks for theft during 2017, followed by GM and Ram pickups. Model-year 2006 Ford trucks were particularly popular among thieves. By year’s end 3,151 of those pickups had been swiped.
The biggest reason for the rise in auto thefts? While anti-theft technology has made impressive strides, too many drivers are just not taking the time to use it.
“Even with the slight increases in the last few years, the national vehicle theft problem today is at levels not seen since 1967,” NICB states in its report. “Enhancements in vehicle security and manufacturing are having a positive impact, but complacency can undermine their success. Thousands of vehicles continue to be stolen each year because owners leave their keys or fobs in the vehicles, and that invites theft.”
The vehicle with the most recorded thefts in 2017 was the 1997 Honda Accord followed by the 1998 Honda Civic. A lack of anti-theft technology has made the cars more attractive to thieves. NICB breaks down its 2017 Hot Wheels report into two lists below displaying thefts by model and model year.
You can download the complete list of 2017’s top 25 most stolen here.
NICB continues to advise all drivers to review its 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.
Considering a used vehicle purchase? Check out VINCheck, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Since 2005, NICB has offered this limited service made possible by its participating member companies. Check it out at: www.nicb.org/vincheck.
