What Do Stolen Cars Have in Common?
Car thieves crack down on unattended vehicles left and right. But when you dig a little deeper, you can start uncovering patterns in theft. And this knowledge helps you work just a little smarter to protect yourself from greedy criminals. Just what are some of the things the nation’s most commonly stolen cars have in common? Let’s find out.
It’s Dangerous to be a Honda
What’s rightly seen as an any-person car and usually a pretty big seller is also hitting those high marks for thieves, as well. In fact, according to the dmv.org’s most recent data, both the number one and number two spots belong to Honda (Accord and Civic, respectively.) A safe, reliable Honda, it turns out, attracts a fan club on all sides of the spectrum: from honest buyers to thieves who know they’ve got a good market for this catch.
Older Models
Sure, your shiny new luxury cars may be tantalizing – and yup, they do get stolen! But when it comes down to it, car thieves are looking for a quick in, a quick out, and minimal alerts on their presence. Newer model cars come with flashy buzzers and bells and tracking hookups (such as OnStar) that most thieves simply do not want to deal with. Plus, they may need sophisticated technology they just don’t possess to even drive it off.
But older model cars? Now those are easy, old-fashioned steals. All a crook needs to know how to do is jimmy open a lock and hot wire an engine and they’re off in a jiffy without a trace. One way to fight back? Use aftermarket tracking devices or services to prevent a stolen car.
The Dreaded Combo
If more than one thing on this list applies to your vehicle, you may want to ramp up those precautions. For instance, the number one stolen car in America last year was the 1997 Honda Accord – a nice, easy Honda and a nice, easy old one to boot. Additionally, since Hondas and other mass-produced cars have been so unwaiveringly popular, car thieves get a killing of a return in selling it for parts. Couple that with no dreaded smart key or tracking, and it is criminal Christmas.
Shades of Envy
When it comes to stolen cars, color does seem to matter. According to studies, the most commonly jacked color car is silver! While the psychological profiling into car thieves’ minds around preferred color is lacking, there are some thoughts. For instance, it’s possible that silver’s associated with a fast, luxurious lifestyle. Thieves who are especially attracted to the dramatics of their chosen path associate silver cars with the high life.
Also rounding out the top 5 stolen cars? White in second place, black in third, gold (another luxury color) in fourth, and, surprisingly, green, takes the fifth spot.
A Sense of Ease
When you get down to it, the biggest thing attracting car thieves is thinking they can get away with it. If they see valuables left in cars, it’s practically an invitation. If they see cars parked in dark driveways, they’re going to feel like they have hit the felon’s lottery. When there’s nothing standing in their way of grabbing a new Benz – or an old Toyota – why not steal it? Letting your guard down is the first and biggest step to inviting theft right into your own front door.
It’s a car thief-filled world out there, but, armed with some knowledge on what catches a criminal’s eye, you can take steps to keep your car where it belongs. And remember too – thieves can cause damage in the process of theft, so keep an eye out for dents or scratches we can help fix.
If your car is lucky enough to not get stolen but you are unlucky enough for it not to be for lack of trying, your insurance company can help. Plus, if the thought of a deductible is overwhelming, don’t fear – we offer opportunities to waive or get a rebate the amount of your deductible right in house.
