The team at Convoy Car Shipping researched 2023 vehicle thefts to determine which models are stolen the most often. Vehicle theft has been on the rise since 2020 despite advancing security technology. Some models and situations leave a car more vulnerable to theft so the best way to prevent this crime is to know the facts and take precautions. Here are the results of their research:
- Hyundai Elantra: 48,455 stolen vehicles
- Hyundai Sonata: 42,815
- Kia Optima: 30,204
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 23,721
- Kia Soul: 21,0001
- Honda Accord: 20,895
- Honda Civic: 19,858
- Kia Forte: 16,209
- Ford F150: 15,852
- Kia Sportage: 15,749
You can also check their map of the vehicles stolen most in each state. It looks like Honda models are targets on the coasts with Chevys and Fords stolen the most in the South and Midwest.
A few factors can impact a vehicle’s likelihood of being stolen. The first of course is its location. Thieves search areas with poor lighting and a quick getaway. As for why some models are favored over others, this can be due to a variety of reasons. Not every model has an updated security system and some have known flaws. There are even social media trends that show would-be thieves how to get around anti-theft measures on certain models. Once these videos spread, these car models become a major target. Luxury vehicles or vehicles with easy access to high-selling parts also attract thieves.
To help prevent theft you can park in locked garages or in busy well-lit areas. Avoid leaving anything valuable visible in your car seats. Never leave a vehicle running and unattended. Close all the windows and lock the doors when you leave the car. The best prevention might not be enough to prevent thieves so if your vehicle appears in these graphics, look up extra precautions you could take.
