Thefts By City: According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) study released in June 2003, nine of the top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas for vehicle theft in 2002 are in or near ports or communities with easy access to Mexican or Canadian borders, as shown below:
1. Phoenix, AZ
2. Fresno, CA
3. Modesto, CA
4. Stockton-Lodi, CA
5. Las Vegas, NV
6. Miami, FL
7. Sacramento, CA
8. Oakland, CA
9. Seattle, WA
10. Tacoma, WA
Motor vehicle theft in the united states, 1993-2002
Year Vehicles stolen Percent change
1993 1,563,060 -3.0%
1994 1,539,287 -1.5
1995 1,472,441 -4.3
1996 1,394,238 -5.3
1997 1,354,189 -2.9
1998 1,242,781 -8.2
1999 1,152,075 -7.3
2000 1,160,002 0.7
2001 1,228,391 5.9
2002 1,246,096 1.4
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports.
The following is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Ten list of the Most Stolen 2000-2002 Models (claims per 1,000 insured vehicles):
Make / Series, Claims
Cadillac Escalade 4WD, 10.3
Dodge Stratus, 8.7
Mitsubishi Mirage, 7.2
Jeep Wrangler, 7.2
Lincoln Navigator 2WD, 6.6
Dodge Intrepid, 5.8
Lincoln Navigator 4WD, 5.7
Dodge RAM 1500 series, 6.6
Ford Expedition 2WD, 5.6
Chrysler Sebring, 5.5
Here are a few guidelines to keep your vehicle safe:
Remove the keys from the ignition
Roll up the windows completely
Lock all the doors
Park in a well lit, well trafficked area
Remove or hide the garage door opener from the car
Purchase and engage your car alarm
Use secondary anti-theft devices like the club
Do not leave valuables in view in the car
Detach your stereo face
Never open your door or roll down your window when someone is within reach
Don’t stop at isolated places like pay phones or ATMs where you could become a car jacking victim
If another car bumps your car, stay inside with the windows shut and the door locked and drive to the nearest police station
Park with front wheels turned sharply toward the curb and apply your emergency brake to discourage towing
Park your car in the garage
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