Motor vehicle theft is a serious problem in many parts of the world.
In the United States, the annual loss from car theft is over $4 billion.
The Automotive Information Council reports that over one million
motor vehicles are stolen in the U.S. each year. That’s one motor
vehicle theft every 31 seconds.

For a variety of reasons, some motor vehicles have a greater
probability of being stolen than others.

Ten Most Stolen Motor Vehicles of 2002:

1. Toyota Cambry

2. Honda Accord

3. Honda Civic

4. Chevrolet Full Size P/U

5. Ford Full Size P/U

6. Jeep Cherokee

7. Oldsmobile Cutlas

8. Dodge Caravan

9. Ford Taurus

10. Toyota Corolla

• Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Recommendations

1. Lock it and pocket the keys. Nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen had the keys in them. Remember to lock the trunk, the hatchback or the tailgate of a station wagon or sport utility vehicle (SUV)
2. If your motor vehicle is an older model, replace standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. These replacements are inexpensive and much more difficult to pry up.
3. Don’t leave motor vehicle registration, insurance policies, credit cards or other important papers in a vehicle’s glove compartment.
4. If you use a self-service gasoline stations or convenience stores, don’t leave the keys in the vehicle when you go inside to pay your bill.
5. Don’t place a mini-replica of a license plate or personal identification on a vehicle’s key ring.
6. Consider installing safety security film on the windows. With the film added to the glass, the window will be 300% to 400% stronger. Intruders must cut their way through the glass, thus taking more time. The safety film is clear and reflects up to 98% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
7. Never hide a second set of keys in the vehicle. Extra keys can easily be found if the thief takes time to look. Store a spare key in your wallet.
8. If possible, avoid parking next to vans, pick-ups, and other large vehicles. These large vehicles can “hide” your vehicle and make it more difficult for others to observe.
9. When parking along a curb, angle the front wheels sharply to the left or right, making it difficult for the thief to tow it away. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots.
10. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway. Rear wheels lock on four-wheel drive vehicles, making them difficult to tow. Front-wheel drive vehicles should be parked front end first.
11. Periodically check your license plates to make sure they haven’t been stolen, switched or altered.
12. Join Operation Identification and engrave your driver’s license number or social security number in several concealed places on, or in your motor vehicle. Drop a business card into the window channel, beneath the seat or behind the dash panel.
13. Engrave batteries, wheel covers and car stereos with either your drivers license number or social security number preceded by your state’s initials.
14. Don’t invite a vehicle break-in by leaving packages or valuables (radar detectors, cellular phones, compact disc players, etc.) in sight. Take valuables with you, put them under the seat or lock them in the trunk.
15. Whenever possible, park in well lighted and busy areas.
16. Whenever possible, park in an attended lot. Motor vehicle thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.
17. When you park in an attended lot, leave only the ignition/door key. If your trunk and glovebox use the same key as the door, have one of them changed. Leaving the ignition key with the attendant, retain all others and be sure the key number does not appear on the key that is left.
18. On cold mornings, never leave your motor vehicle running while it is unattended, in order to warm up.
19. For each vehicle you own or lease, record the following information and keep it in a safe location (not in the vehicle):

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