Most & least stolen cars

This evening after sending out an email on my hotmail account, I checked an article listed before continuing to check more emails. This piece had to do with the most stolen vehicles and the least stolen ones. My friend Brad was (is) driving a charger, which I was surprised to find, was the fourth one on the first list (most stolen). Have a look for yourself. As for those that would take what is not rightfully theirs, know that what you sow that shall you reap. I feel like saying a thousand plagues on those that take what is not theirs but I think a 10-fold return in the energy as far as the consequences (karma) is concerned would be sufficient. I truly hope this is not what happened to Brad! It might explain why there has been a disconnect as far as communications is concerned. What are your thoughts? V.

December 10, 2008

IIHS names Most and Least Stolen new vehicles

By Justin Couture, Sympatico/MSN Autos

Having your vehicle stolen is a pretty awful experience. It’s a royal hassle, not to mention that there’s always the real possibility that you may never see your car, truck, SUV or minivan - and the stuff inside it - again.

The folks at IIHS (they don’t just crash test cars - they also record vehicle theft data) have compiled a list of the ten most likely vehicles to be stolen and the ten least likely vehicles to be stolen.

The figures below are based on insurance claims for vehicle theft - not break-ins and vandalism - and are reported in thefts per 1,000 insured. It’s also worth noting that this report is focused on newer cars between 2005 and 2007, so if you’re thinking about buying a new vehicle, or own a new vehicle, it may be worth your while to pay attention to this list.

Some results may surprise you, others not so much.

Ten Most Stolen Vehicles

Cadillac Escalade ESV: 15.0 stolen per 1,000 insured
Cadillac Escalade: 11.3 stolen per 1,000 insured
Dodge Charger: 11.0 stolen per 1,000 insured
Ford F-350 SuperCrew: 10.7 stolen per 1,000 insured
Hummer H2 SUT: 10.0 stolen per 1,000 insured
Dodge Magnum: 9.9 stolen per 1,000 insured
Hummer H2 SUV: 8.7 stolen per 1,000 insured
Dodge Durango: 8.1 stolen per 1,000 insured
Honda S2000: 8.1 stolen per 1,000 insured

The IIHS says that vehicle popularity is one of the key reasons for theft - hence the high number of premium SUVs, oft-customized with valuable aftermarket wheels and stereo systems. These highly-valued vehicles are either then shipped to a foreign country and sold, or stripped of their parts in chop shops for cash. In the case of the Ford pickup trucks, the IIHS cites the fact that many of the trucks stolen also contained valuable tools in their beds.

Ten Least Stolen Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 0.6 stolen per 1,000 insured
Buick Rainier: 0.6 stolen per 1,000 insured
Subaru Forester: 0.6 stolen per 1,000 insured
Buick Terraza: 0.7 stolen per 1,000 insured
Volkswagen New Beetle: 0.7 stolen per 1,000 insured
Ford Focus: 0.7 stolen per 1,000 insured
Volvo V70: 0.8 stolen per 1,000 insured
Toyota Prius: 0.8 stolen per 1,000 insured
Saturn RELAY: 0.8 stolen per 1,000 insured
Ford Freestyle: 0.8 stolen per 1,000 insured

However, just because a vehicle makes the “Least Stolen” list, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be stolen. The IIHS warns that if a thief really wants your vehicle, he or she will go to great lengths to have it.

Posted at 12:39 AM in Autos Permalink