Over 1.2 Million Car Thefts In '03, Says Crime Bureau
NU Online News Service, March 1, 12:08 p.m. EST?U.S. auto thieves stole more than 1.2 million cars with an estimated value exceeding $8 billion in 2003, the latest year for which data is available, the National Insurance Crime Bureau said.[@@]
The Palos Hills, Ill.-based group, using the data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center, reported that in 2003 1,260,471 motor vehicles were reported stolen. Six of the top 10 most-stolen car models were from Japanese manufacturers, with the 2000 Honda Civic being the most popular among thieves.
According to the Crime Bureau, recovery rates of stolen cars are at around 65 percent, which leaves a tremendous number of vehicles that are either cut up for parts, exported to other countries, or disguised as "clones."
Clones are stolen cars that are imprinted with vehicle identity numbers that have been copied from legitimate vehicles of similar make and model. Cloning is the latest trend in an expanding list of fraud schemes, noted National Insurance Crime Bureau Chief Executive Officer Robert Bryant.
Mr. Bryant said that one way drivers can help deter auto theft is to only use reputable repair facilities and avoid using shops that may have stolen car parts.
Another effective theft-fighting measure is simply remembering to lock the car and take car keys. Mr. Bryant recommended using a visible or audible warning device, as well as installing fuel cut-offs and smart keys.
The top ten most-stolen vehicles in 2003 by make, model, and model year were:
1. 2000 Honda Civic
2. 1989 Toyota Camry
3. 1991 Honda Accord
4. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup
5. 1994 Dodge Caravan
6. 1997 Ford F150 Series
7. 1986 Toyota Pickup
8. 1995 Acura Integra
9. 1987 Nissan Sentra
10. 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass
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