Most stolen cars: Is yours on the list?

Although cars like this 1994 Honda Accord remain a favorite target for thieves, thefts of newer vehicles are on the rise, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. / Vincent Pastore/Flickr

(MoneyWatch) Thieves steal Hondas and Toyotas from the 1990s more than other models because they can chop them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car. But thefts of newer cars are also rising, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

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"We are seeing a trend toward increases in the thefts of late model vehicles -- ones that are theoretically harder to steal because of sophisticated key code technology," says NICB president and CEO Joe Wehrle in a report released today.

Criminals are learning to defeat this technology, which is designed to keep the engine from starting if the proper key is not used. How? By getting the key codes for specific vehicles and making replacement keys, says the NICB, a non-profit group supported by insurance companies.

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The most stolen cars in 2011 were the 1994 Honda Accord and 1998 Honda Civic, while the 1991 Toyota Camry was No. 4 (see full list below; NICB also has a "most-stolen" breakdown by state -- to check your state, click here.) But the 2006 Ford pickup is third, the latest model to make the top 10 in recent years. Other favorite targets for thieves are Chevrolet and Dodge pickups.

There isn't much you can do to protect your car if thieves have a replacement key. But such crimes represent only a small percentage of total car thefts. Here are steps NICB recommends to make your car harder to steal:

Lock it up. Many car boosters -- professional and amateur -- are looking for the easiest target. So they pass by vehicles that seem to defeat a quick grab. For around $50, you can buy "The Club" or other steering wheel locks. They add to the difficulty and time it takes to steal your car or truck. For about $80, you can get a "tire claw" lock that will keep one wheel from moving.

Sound the alarm. For $200 to $300, an auto electronics shop will install an alarm on your vehicle that will go off if the door is opened without a key. Be sure to get a decal for you windows that calls attention to the alarm. The ear-splitting alarm won't stop all car thieves. But, as with The Club, it might make them pass over your car and choose another target.

Track it down. Especially if you have a newer car, it may be worth the $700 or so it costs to get a tracking device installed, like Lo-Jack. Once it's activated, it tells police the car's exact location. Even if the thief had a key to your car, a tracker may locate it before it can be resold or chopped up.

According to the NICB, here are the top 10 stolen cars in 2011:

1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1998 Honda Civic
3. 2006 Ford pickup (full size)
4. 1991 Toyota Camry
5. 2000 Dodge Caravan
6. 1994 Acura Integra
7. 1999 Chevrolet pickup (full size)
8. 2004 Dodge pickup (full size)
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 1994 Nissan Sentra

Photo courtesy of Flickr user VMPastore

[HolyCackle]

Seems like a sign of the times. Even the thieves are down on their luck, short on cash...maybe they're stealing the cars to get parts for their own cars. I once had just the driver side front turn signal light stolen off my car--the very day after I'd had my state inspection. They must have seen the new sticker and said, ah! This works! I'll steal it for my car. Took me weeks and about $200 (and that was on the cheap, getting a friend to help me find parts and put them on) to replace the stupid thing. It was a major in convenience.

[baldy50047]

I see noone is interested in stealing my 1988 Festiva. I wonder why that never made the list?

[Jhihmoac]

'94 Integra's been on the list for quite a few years...A favorite of the "Fast & Furious" crowd...

[MagnaCartaUK]

My Merc stays in the garage more these days. I prefer to get around on a battered old push-bike, it saves on fuel, it helps keep me fit, and no-one would lower themselves to steal it anyway. The ones I hate are the b-----ds who professionally join together the shells of two accident write-offs, and with a bit of extra work create a weakened, potential deathtrap - all before it's sold on to some unsuspecting dealer or customer. They, along with the uninsured and unqualified naturally.

[n4cjx-2009]

I drive Fords, they last a long time and very little trouble and I like to blow the doors off of tiyotas especially High dollar tiyotas called Lexus.,.

[yelobrikroad]

I tryd ta reed it but it donut maka lot a cents ta me. SO backk OFF ohprey4!!! wat? you think i m STUPD???

[Colt4542]

If you are familiar with auto wiring, build your own "won't start" system. Just hide a toggle switch to interrupt either the fuel pump or starter solenoid. The car won't start even if hot wired.

[counters-trike]

I doubt anyone would steal my car - the embarassment to be seen in my "car" would last a thief a lifetime of ruined reputation.....

[Osprey4]

They want the parts, dude, not your car.

Does anyone read these articles?