Hondas Top List of Most Stolen Vehicles in State

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recently released its "Hot Wheels" report that names the 10 most-stolen vehicles in Pennsylvania.

The report used car theft data submitted by law enforcement agencies in 2011. The list is produced using all theft data regardless of whether the vehicle is insured, according to the NICB.

As in past years, 2011 marked another year of vehicle theft decline nationwide, the report stated. Citing FBI statistics vehicle thefts have hit the lowest number since 1967.

“While overall thefts continue to decline, we are seeing a trend toward increases in the thefts of late model vehicles − ones that are theoretically harder to steal due to sophisticated key code technology,” NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle said in a statement that accompanied the report.

Wehrle goes on to state that modern-day vehicle thieves are, in many cases, professional criminals. The thieves use illegally obtained key codes gain access and steal the vehicle.

The Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Pennsylvania in 2011, according to the "Hot Wheels" report:

 

Rank Vehicle Year 1. Honda Accord 1997 2. Honda Civic 2000 3. Ford Pickup
2004 4. Toyota Camry
2011 5. Dodge Caravan
2000 6. Chevy Impala
2011 7. Ford Taurus
1998 8. Ford Explorer
2002 9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
1996 10. Chevy Pickup
1999

 

NICB's four layers of protection are:

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 that 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.

Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our website at www.nicb.org.

See the full report at www.nicb.org.

Do you owner an older Honda? Are you worried it could get stolen? Tell us in the comment section.

 

Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.