Older model vehicles dominate top 10 stolen vehicles across U.S.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau released its annual “Hot Wheels” report of the most stolen vehicles across the country.

Topping the top 10 list, the Honda Accord. NICB reports that more than 52,000 1996 models were swiped from their rightful owners in 2015. Honda was the brand of choice for thieves as the 1998 Civic came in second place. Rounding out the top three, the 2006 Ford F-series truck came in 3rd.

For 2015, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were (total thefts in parentheses):

1996 Honda Accord (52,244)
1998 Honda Civic (49,430)
2006 Ford Pickup (Full Size) (29,396)
2004 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) (27,771)
2014 Toyota Camry (15,466)
2001 Dodge Pickup (Full Size) (11,212)
2014 Toyota Corolla (10,547)
2015 Nissan Altima (10,374)
2002 Dodge Caravan (9,798)
2008 Chevrolet Impala (9,225)

Of the top 10, eight are older model vehicles. Officer Ivan Ramos works for the Austin Police Department, “These are very targetable because of how old they are .The technology is not there for these vehicles. It’s just to get in screwing the ignition and crank it on,” he said.

Officer Ramos said APD responds to stolen vehicle calls daily and everyone needs to take precautions, he said thieves target certain places. “It happens in shopping centers where people are away from the vehicle for a long time,” he said. Gyms and parks are another area of interest for car thieves.

APD said to help stop your car from being stolen you should…

Park in well lighted areas
Use auto deterrents such as car alarms, steering wheel locks, and ignition kill switches, and tracking devices.
Lock your vehicle and never leave it running. APD said half of the vehicles stolen in Texas are unlocked and have the keys inside.

Checking twice vehicles are locked is something many already do. “Whenever I lock it, I always make sure I hear the beep from the lock button and I pull the door handle to make sure that it's closed just to double check it's locked,” said Austin Resident Chad Belanger.

APD said it's also a good idea to VIN etch. This is where you permanently have your VIN number etched into all your windows. Thieves are less likely target a car because it's more time consuming and difficult to sell property that is more identifiable. For more information you can click here.