Cutlass Named Most-Stolen Vehicle; Overall Thefts Rise
October 10, 2007
INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers who own a 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass may want to invest in some additional anti-theft devices, based on a study naming that car the most-stolen automobile in Indiana.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) 2006 Hot Wheels list, released this week, ranks the top ten most stolen cars in the nation and each state. The study also indicates Indiana is one of only 16 states to see an increase in auto thefts in 2006.
The number of thefts in Indiana rose from 21,744 to 21,866 – an increase of one-half percent. While it’s not a major increase, the number of thefts nationally dropped 3.4 percent.
"This is a sign that Hoosiers need to take better care of their vehicles," Insurance Institute of Indiana President Steve Williams said. "We aren’t hitting the panic button here, but if thefts in Indiana continue to rise while the rest of the nation falls, that could have an impact on auto insurance premiums."
The FBI estimates the average value of a stolen vehicle is $6,649. Using that figure, auto theft caused more than $145 million in losses last year. Nationwide, there were 1,192,809 motor vehicle thefts – a $7.9 billion loss.
The ’92 Cutlass was the most commonly stolen vehicle in Indiana, but that make and model did not make the nationwide list. The 1995 Honda Civic was the most-stolen vehicle in the country last year.
|
Indiana Most-Stolen Vehicles |
| 1. |
1992 Oldmobile Cutlass |
| 2. |
1989 Chevrolet Full-Size 1500 Pickup |
| 3. |
1993 Ford Taurus |
| 4. |
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier |
| 5. |
1991 Chevrolet Caprice |
| 6. |
2004 Pontiac Grand Am |
| 7. |
1997 Ford F150 Series |
| 8. |
1991 Chevrolet Blazer |
| 9. |
1990 Buick Lesabre |
| 10. |
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix |
|
|
Most-Stolen Vehicles in the U.S. |
| 1. |
1995 Honda Civic |
| 2. |
1991 Honda Accord |
| 3. |
1989 Toyota Camry |
| 4. |
1997 Ford F150 Series Pickup |
| 5. |
2005 Dodge Ram Pickup |
| 6. |
1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup |
| 7. |
1994 Nissan Sentra |
| 8. |
1994 Dodge Caravan |
| 9. |
1994 Saturn SL |
| 10. |
1990 Acura Integra |
|
"Vehicle thieves are opportunistic criminals," Williams said, "so Hoosiers can do a lot to protect themselves against theft. This is a very preventable crime."
Drivers can protect their vehicles in a variety of ways. The Insurance Institute of Indiana and the NICB recommend a "layered approach" to minimizing your risk.
1. Common Sense – Remove keys from ignition, lock your doors, close your windows, park in well-lit areas
2. Warning Devices – Audible alarms, steering wheel locks, brake locks, theft deterrent decals, VIN etching, etc.
3. Immobilizing Devices (devices that prevent hot-wiring) – Smart keys, fuse cut-offs, kill switches, ignition disablers, etc.
The Insurance Institute of Indiana is an insurance trade association representing insurance companies doing business in Indiana. Visit us on the web at www.insuranceinstitute.org.
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