© Colourbox
America’s Most Wanted — By Car Thieves
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently released new findings on the most stolen cars in America. The annual “Hot Wheels” report analyzes vehicle theft data submitted to the NICB by law enforcement agencies from around the country. According to the NICB, during 2015 there were more than 700,000 vehicles stolen in the U.S. “While older vehicles still dominate our Hot Wheels most stolen list, the number of late model vehicles with anti-theft protection on the list goes to show that technology isn’t foolproof,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. “Criminals are doing their best to defeat anti-theft technology through hacking and other means while, at the same time, manufacturers and others are working to improve security.” The NICB recommends car owners practice good common sense including always locking the vehicle, having a theft warning device or app, as well as immobilizing or tracking solutions. It’s no surprise that the list of most stolen vehicles is a close reflection of the best-selling vehicles in America. Click on for a countdown of the top 10 vehicles stolen in the U.S. during 2015.
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© General Motors
10. Chevrolet Impala
9,225 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2008
Impala has been around for a long time. The current version — introduced in 2013 — is the tenth generation since the model premiered in 1958. However, Impala sales peaked at the 2008 model year and have been on a general decline ever since. Given that more than 500,000 Impalas were sold in 2007 and 2008 alone, the popularity of the 2008 model among car thieves is no big surprise.
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© FCA US LLC
9. Dodge Caravan
9,798 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2002
Considered the original vehicle of the minivan segment, the Caravan makes this list by sheer numbers and years on the market. Although some say the minivan has fallen out of fashion due to the rise of crossovers, there are still enough Caravans, Grand Caravans (and sibling Chrysler Town & Countrys) on the road to make them profitable targets for car thieves.
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© Nissan North America
8. Nissan Altima
10,374 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2015
The Nissan Altima was all new for the 2013 model year and sales have been on a steady increase since then. Sales of the 2015 model have exceeded all previous years, making this 4-door sedan popular and plentiful. No surprise, given the Altima’s nice mix of comfort, style and — most important to a majority of shoppers — great fuel economy.
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Toyota Corolla
7. Toyota Corolla
10,547 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2014
The Corolla certainly is an old-timer — in name at least. Although the car was redesigned in 2014, the name has been around since 1966, and according to Toyota more than 40 million Corollas have been sold since it was introduced. As the best-selling compact car in the U.S., the Corolla’s ubiquity means there are plenty available for thieves to get their hands on, and plentiful demand for parts.
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© FCA US
6. Dodge Pickup (Full Size)
11,212 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2001
The third-most-popular truck among thieves, Dodge pickups are also perennially third place in sales behind other Chevrolet and Ford offerings. In 2002 Dodge redesigned the Ram pickup, eight years after the company had introduced the “big-rig” styled truck. While the new version was a major overhaul, that previous generation — selling around 400,000 units each year — created the pool that truck thieves are most interested in dipping into today.
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© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
5. Toyota Camry
15,466 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2014
One of the most popular cars on the planet, the Camry has been sold internationally since 1982. With a roomy interior and fuel-efficient, reliable engines, the Camry sells in huge numbers each year. A completely redesigned car was introduced in 2014 as a 2015 model, and it seems like the new features and styling have been appealing to more than just buyers.
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© General Motors
4. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
27,771 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2004
The full-size Chevy Silverado is another popular choice among truck-jackers. Although the 2004 model year seems to be the most sought after, Silverado was basically the same from 2003 to 2007 and thus the number of stolen Chevy trucks has remained consistent for those model years. Available with a variety of engines and configurations, the Silverado is likely to remain popular with buyers and thieves.
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© Ford Motor Company
3. Ford Pickup (Full Size)
29,396 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 2006
Not only are Ford F-Series trucks the best-selling vehicles in America, they outsell every other vehicle on the market by a considerable margin. With so many Ford trucks on the road — the company commonly sells in excess of 700,000 per year — it’s no surprise to see the F-Series near the top of this most stolen list.
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© American Honda Motor Co., Inc
2. Honda Civic
49,430 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model year: 1998
One of the most widespread compact cars throughout America, the Civic remains a popular target for car thieves. The model started its life as a subcompact but has grown in size over the years; however, it’s those original smaller models that remain big targets among car thieves. The majority of purloined Civics are from model years prior to 2000.
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© American Honda Motor Co., Inc
1. Honda Accord
52,244 stolen in 2015
Most stolen model years: 1996
Continuing its streak for another year as the most stolen vehicle in the United States, the Honda Accord’s dubious fame is a direct result of its popularity with drivers everywhere as economical, reliable transportation that retains its resale value. And the sheer number of Accords on the road provides thieves with easy choices and access. Smartkeys were introduced on Accord in 1998, so most of the stolen models come from years prior.
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