Knowing if a vehicle is popular among thieves is as vital as determining its key features before purchase. Suppose you know one car is more likely than another to get stolen—would you still buy it? This information could save you from getting your vehicle stolen.
The following list showcases vehicles that are more likely than others to attract the attention of car thieves.
VW Golf
The VW Golf is a popular model among car thieves due to its availability. Car thieves typically target standard models as they don’t draw attention. There is a substantial market for the Golf’s parts, so stolen vehicles are often broken down for parts and sold. Due to the model’s reputation for performance, stolen models may be resold with minimal depreciation, especially in areas where second-hand models or parts are highly sought.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a nimble hot hatchback that is quite popular due to its performance and handling. However, it is also one of the most common theft targets. This is because of the vulnerability of the keyless systems. Cars with keyless entry are more susceptible to theft because crucial hacking devices are available on the dark web, including detailed theft guides.
BMW 3 Series
Although BMWs are upscale, their parts are popular on the black market. One reason for the increase in theft of 3 Series models is the pandemic. Due to a shortage of microchips and car parts, the price of after-market parts increased significantly. Car thieves responded by stealing popular BMW models and breaking them down for parts.
Toyota Camry
Considering the Toyota Camry’s reliability and longevity, it is also a favorite target for car thieves looking to sell its parts. For the sixth and seventh generations, Camry owners may find it advisable to install tracking devices, considering the included anti-theft devices are ineffective.
Kia Optima
Unfortunately, many Kia Optima models lack a useful anti-theft device: an immobilizer. This prevents vehicles from starting when a thief tries to use a key fob or key that does not match the vehicle. It also means that thieves can theoretically break into the car, remove the steering column cover, and then jam a makeshift key into the ignition cylinder to start it.
GMC Pickup
GMC models like the Sierra have become popular with thieves in recent years, with hundreds being stolen monthly across cities and suburban areas. Car thieves have developed a streamlined process involving popping open the door and using a device to steal it through the OBD port. Many stolen trucks are then stripped for parts and sold. This increases profits for car thieves and reduces the risk, considering that stolen parts are more challenging to trace than the entire vehicle.
Honda CR-V
The compact crossover is one of the most popular models for young families. The CR-V has been around so long that the secondary parts market for older models is quite active. This incentivizes thieves as they can break them down for parts. It is also hard to trace them once they have been stolen. The CR-V is also a popular option because of its availability. Standard models and their parts are easier to hide from law enforcement.
Toyota Corolla
Like the Camry, this is no surprise. The Corolla has been a best seller for several years, featuring practicality and longevity. Car thieves prefer it because older models do not feature sophisticated anti-theft technology. After breaking in, thieves can simply jam a screwdriver into the ignition to get it started. Due to their generic nature, there is also a high demand for their parts. What works on the Corolla could quickly be done on the Camry or other Toyota models.
Chevrolet Silverado
Vehicle theft statistics show that, regarding Chevrolet Silverado, owners must be cautious about theft. It is a typical victim of auto theft, along with the GMC Sierra. The main reason is that many models lack the modern anti-theft technologies present in other models. Some trucks may only warrant shimmying the door open and jamming a key or screwdriver into the ignition to start them. There is a high demand for Chevy parts in some parts of the country, making it easy for thieves to return a profit. It is also hard to trace these components.
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altimas are popular targets among criminals for their catalytic converters. Thieves will get close enough to pick up the signal sent from a key. Once they have that signal, they may use it as a replacement key. The same locking, unlocking, and remote start features are present. This can be done without causing any damage to the vehicle. Nissan Altimas are also reasonably common and don’t attract much attention from the police.
Ford F-150
The F-Series is the most successful pickup range in the United States. However, it is also the most stolen truck model. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, just under 340,000 were stolen over the past ten years. Older F-150s are at a higher risk because their parts are less trackable, and demand is high for external markets.
Range Rover Sport
Range Rovers are popular among car thieves mainly because of their retail value and popularity within the market. Their technological features make it daunting to steal, but the reward is high if they are successful. Range Rovers are more present in the market than other high-end vehicles, meaning they don’t attract unwanted attention from the authorities. Typically, criminals use a relay attack to subvert key fob signals.
Things That Car Thieves Are Keen About
Car thieves look at specific characteristics of vehicles before making them their focus. Technology is critical among these factors, as the older the car, the easier it is to steal. Hence, most models on this list have been around for several generations despite offering modern options.
Car thieves also consider the popularity of the model within the market. Common cars are less distinct and, therefore, easier to hide from police. Others are broken down and sold for parts.
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Mark Muhoro is a car enthusiast and writer who loves everything about automobiles. With over 11 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mark has become an expert in how cars work and what makes them special. He writes clear and interesting articles about cars for magazines and websites, making valuable contributions to renowned platforms like Vroom Magazine, Internet Brands, and Contentmotive.
