Auto Thieves’ Most Wanted: Honda Civic Tops Stolen Models List
Car thieves are either lazy or particular—either seeking out either the easiest, unprotected vehicles or high-end luxury vehicles, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), which named the 2000 Honda Civic as the year’s most-stolen model in 2009.
The bureau’s annual top ten list reflects a mix of basic models, like the Honda Civic, that are relatively easy to steal and strip for parts, and a growing number of luxury models like the Cadillac Escalade and the Hummer, which are often targeted by organized crime rings, says Rick Dubin, vice president of investigations at the IBC. “Although these are harder to steal, sophisticated organized crime rings can make a strong profit by shipping them overseas, chopping them for parts, or changing their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and selling them to unsuspecting consumers.”
Auto theft cost Canadian insurers $465 million in 2008, about $30 per auto insurance policy, according to the IBC.
Following the Honda Civic—which marked its second year in the top spot, the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV (4-door), the 1999 Honda Civic CiR (2-door), the 2006 Chevrolet GMC Trailblazer SS (4-door) and the 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT (4-door) round out the top five most stolen models. The 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV (4-door) took the sixth spot, with the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, the 2000 Audi S4 Quattro (4-door), the 2006 Hummer H2 (4-door) and the 2005 Cadillac Escalade (4-door) completing the top ten.
Other models moving up the list—but not cracking it—include the BMW X6, the Toyota RAV4 and the Lexus RX350, which are all in high demand in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Nigera.
Although auto theft rates are falling—dropping 15% between 2007 and 2008– the recovery rate for stolen vehicles is also declining, as crime rings ship vehicles overseas.
In 2009, the IBC and law enforcement prevented 300 stolen vehicles from leaving
Canadian ports and recovered 72 vehicles—worth $11 million– from other countries.
New legislation aimed at curbing auto theft, Bill C-26—could help prevent future thefts with harsher penalties. “Bill C-26 received all-party support in the House of Commons, and we hope the Senate moves quickly to pass the bill so that law enforcement has the tools it needs to combat auto theft,” said Dubin.
The IBC released its list—drawn from insurance claims information—December 9.
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