Owners of full-size Ford, Chevy and GMC pickups were more likely to have their vehicles stolen last year than any other — for the second year in a row.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau released its annual Hot Wheels vehicle theft report, and the trucks topped the list again. The top 10 list is laden with full-size trucks and midsize sedans, with many of those being longtime residents on the NICB’s annual list.
Popularity and availability are likely contributors to their high theft numbers, which makes sense as the Ford F-Series and Chevy full-size pickups have been the top selling vehicles in the U.S. for decades. Worse yet, passenger vehicle thefts were on the rise in 2021, jumping 8% compared to the year-ago results.
“Crime is a business, and business is good,” said David Glawe, president and CEO of NICB. “Used car values are at historical highs. We have seen a nearly 35% increase in used car values over the last two years due to supply chain issues and inflation. Stolen cars can be shipped overseas and resold or broken down for valuable used car parts here in the U.S.”
Popularity among thieves
The Chevy and Ford finished No. 1 and 2, with the 2004 model year Chevy and 2006 model year F-Series being the most stolen version of the trucks. There were 48,206 Chevys nabbed while 47,999 Ford full-size pickups were stolen. GMC came in sixth with 15,599 stolen last year.
The Honda Civic and Accord were third and fourth last year with the Toyota Camry coming in at No. 5, the NICB reported. The Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle, made its first appearance in NICB’s Hot Spots top 10 list, rounded out the four U.S. models most stolen in 2021.
Others on the top 10 list included the Nissan Altima, Honda CR-V, and the Toyota Corolla. The non-American makes accounted for 15% of stolen passenger vehicles in 2021.
Keeping your vehicle safe
There are plenty of things owners can do to prevent their car or truck from becoming a statistic.
“Drivers should practice good personal security hygiene and take precautions to protect themselves,” added Glawe. “An insistent thief may still find a way through even the best security plan.”
The NICB recommends vehicle owners follow basic steps to guard against potential theft and becoming a victim:
- Roll up your windows, lock your doors, and take the keys or fob.
- Park in well-lit areas and, when possible, areas staffed by security personnel and further protected by surveillance cameras.
- Remove valuables from your car or keep valuables locked in your trunk or out of sight under a rear deck cover.
- Consider adding an immobilizing or tracking device for your vehicle.
Should your vehicle be stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately. NICB data shows that reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.