Stolen Vehicles-Facts File

Fast Facts: Critical Information of Vehicle Theft

All types of vehicles - both passenger automobiles and commercial equipment - are at risk for theft. Information has been collected from a variety of well-respected sources to help you learn about all types of vehicle theft. For those wishing to do more in depth research, we have provided links to key sites.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

Car thieves strike every 25 seconds!

CHECK OUT THESE VEHICLE THEFT STATISTICS:

Federal Bureau of Investigation Statistics about Vehicle theft in US(2003):

· Over 1.2 million vehicles reported stolen in 2003; up 1.1% from 2002

· In U.S., one vehicle stolen every 25 seconds

· Estimated total value of vehicles stolen nationwide is $8.6 billion

· Average value per vehicle was approximately $6,797 at time of theft

NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU STATISTICS for US:

2003 Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in U.S.

2000 Honda Civic

1989 Toyota Camry

1991 Honda Accord

1994 Chevrolet Full Size c/k 1500 Pickup

1994 Dodge Caravan

1997 Ford F150 Series

1986 Toyota Pickup

1995 Acura Integra

1987 Nissan Sentra

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Thieves choose these vehicles because of the huge profit potential when the cars are stripped down to their components, which then supply a vast black market for stolen parts

Popularity of mini vans, pickups, trucks, and sport utility vehicles is making them an increasingly attractive target for thieves

Vehicle theft is the costliest property crime in the U.S., costing consumers more than $8.6 billion annually

Nearly 40% of all vehicle thefts occur in or near ports or border communities