The increasing number of vehicles on America’s roads means that there are many vehicles to choose from for thieves. The popularity of a certain model is not only measured by its sales figures in the markets, but also by how it attracts car thieves.
Sadly, however, that remains a fact as car thieves steal the most popular vehicles and this is proven by a study conducted in the state of Texas. Last year, the Texas Department of Public Safety compiled a list of vehicles that were stolen in that state. For more than a decade leading up to 2006, Chevrolet trucks topped that list, but for 2006, the most stolen vehicles were Ford trucks. While this is a sign that Ford is producing vehicles that appeal to Americans, it is unfortunate that the same appeal it has to law-abiding citizens also attracts thieves.
The list reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety comes from the Texas Crime Information Center database. Such information was reported by different law enforcement agencies across the state. Ford trucks are ranked as the most stolen vehicles in 2006.
Closely following Ford is General Motors’ Chevy brand. Chevrolet pickup trucks are also some of the most common targets for auto thieves in the state of Texas. Third on the list are Dodge pickup trucks. The popularity of vans for thieves is evident in the fact that the three most stolen vehicles are all vans. Of course, it is a known fact that Americans love their trucks and it is not surprising that thieves are targeting these trucks.
Number four on the list is the Honda Accord. This midsize sedan that has become so popular with consumers is also attracting unwanted attention from car thieves. Another Honda model is included in the list of the most stolen vehicles in Texas: the Honda Civic ranks fifth among the most stolen vehicles.
The Chevrolet Tahoe, General Motors’ full-size sport utility vehicle, ranks as the sixth most stolen vehicle in the state. Number seven on the list are GMC pickup trucks, once again showing the attention pickup trucks attract from criminals.
The Ford Taurus, the front-wheel drive midsize sedan, is ranked as the eighth most stolen vehicle in Texas. The only Toyota model to make the list is the company’s best-selling Toyota Camry, which is ranked as the ninth most stolen vehicle. Rounding out the list of the most stolen vehicle in Texas last year is General Motors’ great sport utility vehicle: the Chevrolet Suburban.
In addition to the most stolen vehicles in the state, the Houston Police Department also posted the most stolen cars in the city last December. Topping the list once again are Ford pickup trucks, while Chevy pickups with their Chevrolet truck frames retain second place. The third most stolen vehicle in the city last December as compiled by the Houston Police Department is Honda cars. Of the Honda cars stolen during that month, 54 percent are Civics and 45 percent are Accords, while the rest are made up of various models of Honda cars.
Fourth on the list are Dodge pickup trucks, which are well known for their powerful HEMI engines.
Number five on the list are Ford cars. Of all the Ford cars stolen during the month of December last year, the Ford Taurus is the most popular with thieves, with 60 percent of the stolen Ford cars consisting of the Taurus model. The Ford Mustang is also very popular with car thieves, with ten percent of Ford cars stolen during the month being Mustangs.
The sixth most stolen vehicles on the list are Toyota cars. The Toyota Camry is the most popular Toyota model among thieves, as 57 percent of Toyota cars stolen were Camry. The Toyota Corolla, Toyota’s compact sedan, is also popular with thieves, with 29 percent of stolen Toyota cars being Corollas.
Next on the list are Chevrolet cars, with 25 percent of stolen cars being Chevy Malibus, 23 percent being Chevy Cavaliers, and the rest being made up of different models of Chevrolet cars. Dodge cars ranked eighth on the list, with the Dodge Intrepid being the most popular Dodge car model for thieves with 49 percent and the Dodge Stratus following with 15 percent. Number nine on the list are GMC vehicles.
Nissan cars round out the list, with the Sentra and Altima having 38 percent of each of the Nissan car models stolen.
