Three Pickups on U.S. Most-Stolen List
Three of the top 10 most-stolen vehicles in the U.S. in 2011 were pickup trucks, specifically the 2006 Ford F-Series, 1999 Chevy Silverado and 2004 Dodge Ram. Nationally, the Ford is ranked No.3, the Chevy No. 7 and Dodge No. 8.
Just in case you own a half-ton truck — or any full-size pickup for that matter — we suggest you find out what is popular with thieves in your area. (It can vary quite a bit from state to state, even city to city.) In some cases, especially in the South and Midwest, pickup trucks are sometimes in the top two or three slots and can make up the majority of the top 10 players. Check with your local law enforcement department for more details.
The most-stolen list is compiled by data submitted to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center from state law enforcement agencies.
While the top two spots (Honda Accord and Civic) look similar to 2010’s most-stolen list , the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports a new trend of late-model vehicle thefts. Newer cars typically are harder to steal because of higher-tech anti-theft devices.
The report attributes the theft of later-model vehicles to more thieves who illegally obtain replacement key codes for a specific vehicle. A key code is an anti-theft technology that requires a code in the key to match a code in the vehicle’s ignition system. Thieves are finding more and more ways to obtain replacement key codes through proper replacement practices at dealerships and locksmiths, or by having an insider, NICB reports.
Overall, thefts are decreasing, and FBI crime statistics show that vehicle thefts have not been this low since 1967.
