Why are certain cars stolen more often than others? California Highway Patrol answers
Certain makes and models of cars in California have higher chances of being targeted by car thieves.
The Bee recently reported the top 10 most commonly stolen vehicles in the state. Seven of them were models from the early 2000s.
Why is that?
These models have the traditional turnkey and it is “easy to punch the ignition” to start the car, said Ashley Merchant, a spokeswoman for the California Highway Patrol. Newer models have key fobs and push-to-start engines, making this process harder. Yet, 2020 Toyota Corollas are on the list of most stolen in the state last year.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s top 10 most stolen vehicles in California last year include:
- 2001 Chevrolet Full Size Pick-Up
- 2000 Honda Civic
- 2006 Ford Full Size Pick-Up
- 1997 Honda Accord
- 2001 GMC Full Size Pick-Up
2000 Honda CR-V
2007 Toyota Camry
2020 Toyota Corolla
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
2015 Kia Motors Corporation Optima
Car alarms are more likely to be found in newer cars, Merchant said. This deterrent is not usually found on older, less electronically-equipped cars.
Older cars are less likely to be sold altogether. Instead, parts are being sold online through websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Offer Up. According to the CHP, a thief usually doesn’t want the whole vehicle. Catalytic converters net the most money in these situations, and they are easier to take off of older cars. In 2020, California was named one of the top five states for catalytic converter thefts.
When cars are sold in one piece, it may have been because the owner left the certificate of title in the glove compartment. Merchant said this document should be left at home, and that only a car’s registration and insurance should be in the vehicle.
Physical theft isn’t the only thing people should worry about. Merchant told The Bee people need to be on the lookout for “fraud purchase scams”, a form of identity theft. This happens when people steal personal information to buy vehicles online, through sites like Carvana.
The federal government recommends a regular combination of physical and digital ways to protect your identity. Safely storing your personal documents like a social security card or bank routing information at home is at the top of the list. You should collect all mail with your name and destroy all sensitive information when it is no longer needed.
Online, make sure you have complex passwords, install security features on sites and software, and freeze your credit files on common credit report services.
Here are the ways CHP says you can protect your car from vehicle theft:
- Always lock your vehicle.
- Always utilize anti-theft devices as a preventative measure. The NICB recommends looking into a remote vehicle immobilizers or GPS tracking device in the event you’re victimized.
- Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area at night.
- Always make sure you receive an ownership certificate when purchasing a used vehicle.
- Search the history of the vehicle to prevent buying a stolen vehicle.
- Never leave your keys in your vehicle. Never hide a spare ignition key on the vehicle.
- Stay away from magnetic key cases that can be stuck to the bottom of your car.