The National Insurance Crime Bureau has released the Hot Wheels list - its annual tally of most stolen vehicles. You might think pricey rides like the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes S Class would top the list, but it's mundane rides that are popular with car thieves.
Overall, the most stolen car in 2014 is the Honda Accord. But in truck-crazy Tennessee, the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 lead the list.
- TENNNESSEE NATIONWIDE
- 1 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) 1996 Honda Accord 1996
- 2 Ford Pickup (Full Size) 2006 Honda Civic 1998
- 3 Honda Accord 1996 Ford F-Series 2006
- 4 Chevrolet Pickup (Small Size) 1996 Chevrolet Silverado 1999
- 5 Toyota Camry 1990 Toyota Camry 1991
- 6 GMC Pickup (Full Size) 1997 Dodge Ram 2004
- 7 Nissan Maxima 1997 Dodge Caravan 2000
- 8 Dodge Pickup (Full Size) 2001 Nissan Altima 2013
- 9 Chevrolet Impala 2008 Acura Integra 1994
- 10 Ford Explorer 2001 Nissan Altima 1996
The sad reality is there's not much to be done if a thief wants your car. However, there are some things you can do to make it more difficult:
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Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.
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Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
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Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices that are extremely effective.
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Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics," which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
