Statistics show car theft is emerging as a major problem in the United States. Each year, hundreds of cars, trucks and motorcycles are stolen. Whether your car is parked on the street, in your driveway or in a parking lot, you may be at risk.

The Most Commonly Stolen Vehicles

While sport and luxury cars are common targets for auto thieves, they are not the only vehicles on the most commonly stolen vehicles list. The most commonly stolen cars are stolen quickly and are often resold or stripped down. The thief then sells them for parts at various locations throughout the country. According to a list from a National Insurance Crime Bureau Auto Theft Study, the most frequently stolen vehicles include:

  1. 1995 Honda Civic
  2. 1991 Honda Accord
  3. 1989 Toyota Camry
  4. 1997 Ford F-150
  5. 1994 Chevrolet 1500
  6. 1994 Acura Integra
  7. 2004 Dodge Ram
  8. 1994 Nissan Sentra
  9. 1988 Toyota Pickup
  10. 2007 Toyota Corolla

How To Prevent Being A Victim Of Car Theft

The most important thing you should remember is to never leave your car unlocked. Thieves are always looking for the easiest target, making their job easier. They will always look to see if your window is down, your door is unlocked or if there’s other easy access inside the car.

In addition, never ever leave your key in the car! You may think it’s safe to keep a car motor running in your driveway while you’re finishing up inside the home or in the parking lot during a quick stop at a convenience store. But, in reality it only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal your car.

If you own a car you think may be targeted for grand theft auto, you need to invest in a car alarm. OnStar, GPS and Lojack tracking systems are also good ideas for people who feel they may be targeted.

These programs will help protect your car or may aid in the recovery of your car if it is indeed stolen.

To deter thieves from stealing your ride, be sure to never leave anything of value in the car where people can easily see in. If a criminal sees something in your car as they pass by, they will be tempted to target you. The trunk is the best place to store anything of value that must be left in the car.

By parking in a well lit area, around many other vehicles you can protect your car as well. You’ll not only be less likely to have your car stolen but also be less likely to be a victim of carjackers or car vandalizing.

How To Prevent Carjacking

By paying attention to your surroundings, you can easily prevent carjacking. Because criminals are always relying on the element of surprise, you should always be on guard. When stopped at a red light, look around at your surroundings. Always leave enough room between your car and the car in front of you, in case you need to exit the lane of traffic quickly.

Some common carjacking scams require a criminal use another car to pin your car into an area where you can’t escape. Others commonly include carjackers bumping your car with theirs before you pull over. Thieves may create an accident on purpose and steal your car as you get out assessing the damage. Remember, if you are a victim of carjacking your own safety is priority. If the criminal has a weapon, be sure to remain calm. However, always be willing to give up your possessions in lieu of your safety.

Report Missing Vehicles Right Away

If your car is stolen, be sure to contact the police immediately. Give them any information which might help them locate your car or the thief who took it. Information such as the VIN number, license plate, make and model and color are vital.

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