AUTO THIEVES ARE GETTING PATRIOTIC

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2002, THIEVES PREFER DOMESTIC MAKES OVER FOREIGN BRANDS DES PLAINES, Ill. – The National Insurance Crime Bureau today released Hot Wheels—its list of 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 2010. According to this latest survey, the most stolen vehicles in the nation were: 1. 1994 Honda Accord 2. 1995 Honda Civic 3. 1991 Toyota Camry 4. 1999 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) 5. 1997 Ford F150 Series/Pickup 6. 2004 Dodge Ram 7. 2000 Dodge Caravan 8. 1994 Acura Integra 9. 2002 Ford Explorer 10. 1999 Ford Taurus Hot Wheels is evidently the only report that examines all theft data without regard to a vehicle’s insured status thereby providing a more complete view of the vehicle theft landscape. For example, certain models of older cars and trucks are popular with thieves because of the value of their parts—but many are not insured against theft. Whereas newer, more expensive and insured vehicles are often stolen to be resold intact with counterfeit vehicle identification numbers or shipped out of the country. Nationally—and for the first time since 2002—thieves preferred domestic makes over foreign brands. Ford took three spots, Dodge two and Chevrolet held one while the remaining four were held by Honda, Toyota and Acura. However, the top three positions continue to be held by Honda and Toyota models, a trend that has been consistent since 2000. “Overall, vehicle thefts continue their decline,” says Frank Scafidi of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Preliminary 2010 FBI crime statistics point to a further 7.2 percent reduction over the thefts posted in 2009. “Should the preliminary numbers hold when the FBI produces its final statistics later this year, 2010 will post the fewest vehicle thefts since 1967,” according to Scafidi. Improved technology appears to be one of the keys to lower theft rates and the Hot Wheels statistics demonstrate that. Of the nearly 52,000 Honda Accords stolen in 2010, over 44,000 were models made in the 1990s, compared with fewer than 5,700 that were produced since the year 2000. Even though the continuing decline in vehicle thefts is great news, if it happens to you it can be financially devastating and just an all-around hassle. NICB urges motorists to follow its “layered approach” to auto theft prevention. Says Scafidi, “By employing these simple, low-cost suggestions people can make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.” 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 which 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.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is a non-profit organization aimed at preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by over 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $317 billion in insurance premiums in 2010, or approximately 80 percent of the nation’s property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 93 percent ($151 billion) of the nation’s personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.