Car theft is a huge problem all over the world. Although car thieves have different reasons for their crime, the outcome is the same for all victims - a stolen car.
Car Theft Prevention Tips ~ Cited by GEICO Direct (2007)
GEICO Direct recently interviewed an actual car thief in their new magazine (October 2007 issue), sent to current GEICO policy holders. This interview suggests ways that car thieves would target your vehicle:
How Thieves Target a Car
Thieves will usually choose their targets by looking for those most easy to steal, or ones that will give them more bang for their buck. For example, women should never leave their purse on the front seat of the car. Never leave computers or other valuable items where a potential thief could see it. Also never leave windows down or cars unlocked, even if you are just running in and out of a store. This is considered an easy mark.
Reasons for Stealing a Car
Some car thieves steal cars for a joyride. Others steal cars to sell them at a cheap price: GEICO magazine reports that Hondas are a type of car that sells quickly, as "their parts are all interchangeable." On the other hand, since Preludes have been discontinued, finding one of those could bring a thief more money (their parts are in high demand). Toyota pickups are often targeted because just about any key works to start them up.
How Thieves Break Into a Car
Car thieves can usually use a reconfigured key to break into a car. They are easy to make and work on most cars. Using a reconfigured key lets the thief break into the car in broad day light because it just looks like he is opening his own car. Car thieves generally target cars in large parking lots, especially when it is dark outside. No one can really tell what he is doing.
Top Targeted Cars for Theft
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (cited by GEICO Direct Magazine, 2007), the top 10 most stolen cars in 2005 were:
- 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
- 1997 Ford P150 Series
- 1995 Honda Civic
- 1994 Dodge Caravan
- 1994 Nissan Sentra
- 1993 Saturn SL
- 1991 Honda Accord
- 190 Acura Integra
- 1989 Toyota Camry
- 1986 Toyota Pickup
No car is really safe, if there is an item in view and a thief wants it.
How to Report a Stolen Car
If your car has been stolen, report it to the police immediately. Next, contact your insurance company. You will more than likely need to give them:
- Vehicle description
- Location of all keys before and after the theft
- Names of everyone who had access to the vehicle
- List of personal property stolen with your car
- Vehicle's certificate of title
- Whether the vehicle is financed or leased
- Insurance account number.
They may ask for additional information as well, depending on the type of policy you hold and what your insurance company's particular policies demand. Your insurance company will help you through the process when your car is stolen.
