Texas' Most Stolen Vehicles

Anthony Fontanelle
May 11, 2007

The increasing number of vehicles in the roads of the United States means that there are lots of vehicles to choose from for thieves. The popularity of a certain model is not only gauged by its sales figures in the markets but how it appeals to auto thieves.

Sadly though, that remains a fact as car thieves steal the most popular vehicles and this is as shown by a study that was conducted in the state of Texas. Last year, the Texas Department of Public Safety compiled a list of vehicles that were stolen in the said state. For more than a decade before 2006, Chevrolet pickup trucks top that list but for the year 2006, the most stolen vehicles are Ford pickup trucks. While this is a sign that Ford is producing vehicles which appeals to the taste of Americans, it is saddening that the same attraction it has for law-abiding citizens also appeal to thieves.

The list reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety comes from the database of the Texas Crime Information Center. The said information was reported by different law enforcement agencies across the state. Ford pickup trucks rank as the most stolen vehicles for 2006.

Following close behind Ford is the Chevy brand of General Motors. Chevrolet pickup trucks are also some of the most common targets for car thieves in the state of Texas. Ranking third on the list are Dodge pickup trucks. The popularity of pickup trucks to thieves is evident in the fact that the top three most stolen vehicles are all pickup trucks. Of course, it is a known fact that Americans love their trucks and it comes as no surprise that thieves targets these pickup trucks.

Number four on the list is the Honda Accord. This mid-size sedan that has become so popular among consumers is also attracting the unwelcome attention of car thieves. Another Honda model is included in the list of Texas’ most stolen vehicles - the Honda Civic ranks the fifth most stolen vehicle.

The Chevrolet Tahoe, the full-size sport utility vehicle from General Motors is listed as the sixth most stolen vehicle in the state. Number seven on the list are GMC pickup trucks once again showing the attention pickup trucks attract from crooks.

The Ford Taurus, the mid-size front wheel drive sedan is ranked as the eighth most stolen vehicle in Texas. The only model from Toyota to have made the list is the company’s best seller - the Toyota Camry - which is ranked as the ninth most stolen vehicle. Completing the list of the most stolen vehicle last year in Texas is the large sport utility vehicle from General Motors - the Chevrolet Suburban.

Aside from the state’s most stolen vehicles, the Houston Police Department also published the most stolen cars in the city last December. Topping the list once again are Ford pickup trucks while Chevy pickup trucks with their Chevrolet pickup racks retains the second spot. The third most stolen vehicle in the city last December as compiled by the Houston Police Department is Honda cars. Of the stolen Honda cars for the said month, 54 percent are Civics and 45 percent are Accords while the rest is composed of various Honda car models.

Ranking fourth in the list are Dodge pickup trucks which are quite known for their powerful HEMI engines.

Number five on the list are Ford cars. Of all the Ford cars stolen for the month of December last year, the Ford Taurus is the most popular among thieves with 60 percent of Ford cars being stolen consisting of the Taurus model. The Ford Mustang is also very popular among car thieves as ten percent of Ford cars stolen for the month are Mustangs.

The sixth most stolen vehicles in the list are Toyota cars. The Toyota Camry is the most popular Toyota model among thieves as 57 percent of Toyota cars stolen were Camrys. The Toyota Corolla, Toyota's compact sedan, is also popular among thieves with 29 percent of Toyota cars stolen being Corollas.

Next on the list are Chevrolet cars with 25 percent stolen cars being Chevy Malibus, 23 percent being Chevy Cavaliers and the rest is comprised of different Chevrolet car models. Dodge cars ranked eighth on the list with the Dodge Intrepid being the most popular Dodge car model for thieves with 49 percent and the Dodge Stratus follows with 15 percent. Number nine on the list are GMC vehicles.

Completing the list are Nissan cars with the Sentra and the Altima having 38 percent apiece of Nissan car models stolen.

Source:  Amazines.com