Can you guess the most stolen vehicles in America? According to a recent Los Angeles Times news article, based on last year’s statistics that would be the Honda Accord and Honda Civic. The statistics were compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The majority of the top vehicles stolen were older models, as opposed to newer models that are equipped with more sophisticated anti‐theft protection.
Locally, the two most stolen vehicles in 2013 were the Honda Accord (17 total) and the Honda Civic (9 total). So as you see, Oakley is right in‐line with national statistics. Moreover, a total of 98 vehicles were reported stolen in the City of Oakley in 2013, with the most stolen vehicle reports occurring in June (15 total).
The first line of defense in protecting your vehicle from theft is to lock your car and take your keys with you when leaving a vehicle unattended. During the cold winter months, never leave your vehicle running to “warm‐up” or to “defrost windows” while you are not present. It is best to avoid making your vehicle an attractive target to a thief walking by. However, you may want to consider additional security precautions if you own one of the thief favorites that made the top stolen list.
Taking some basic security steps will go a long way towards protecting your vehicle from theft. Lastly, don’t hesitate to report suspicious people or activity that you observe in your neighborhood. Thanks in advance for your help keeping Oakley safe.
Editors Note:
Here is the Press Release from the The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) on Aug. 18
DES PLAINES, Ill. – The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) on Aug. 18 released its annual Hot Wheels report which identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2013.
- Honda Accord – 53,995 total thefts
- Honda Civic – 45,001 total thefts
- Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) – 27,809 total thefts
- Ford Pickup (Full Size) – 26,494 total thefts
- Toyota Camry – 14,420 total thefts
- Dodge Pickup (Full Size) – 11,347 total thefts
- Dodge Caravan – 10,911 total thefts
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee – 9,272 total thefts
- Toyota Corolla – 9,010 total thefts
- Nissan Altima – 8,892 total thefts
After a slight increase in 2012, the FBI predicts a reduction in national vehicle thefts of 3.2 percent 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 percent 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.
- 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 VINCheckSM, 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.
Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on our website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device.
About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote $371 billion in insurance premiums in 2013, or more than 78 percent of the nation’s property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 93 percent ($168 billion) of the nation’s personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.
*This report reflects stolen vehicle data contained in NCIC and present in the “NCIC mirror image” when accessed by NICB on March 1, 2014. NCIC records may contain errors based on inaccurate entries submitted by reporting agencies. Full size pickups include half ton and larger capacity models for all makes.
The 2013 “Hot Spots” include:
- 1. Bakersfield, CA
- 2. Fresno, CA
- 3. Modesto, CA
- 4. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- 5. Stockton-Lodi, CA
- 6. Redding, CA
- 7. Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
- 8. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA
- 9. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- 10. Yuba City, CA
Source:
https://www.nicb.org/newsroom/nicb_campaigns/hot%E2%80%93wheels/hot-wheels-2013
