Increasing Car Theft Rates: A Warning for Vehicle Owners to Stay Alert

The annual report on car thefts has once again highlighted the vulnerability of certain car models to theft.

This study, conducted by a Virginia-based agency, provides an in-depth analysis of theft claims from drivers, categorizing them by car make. This data-driven approach offers a clear picture of the most stolen cars, serving as a crucial warning for vehicle owners.

Topping the list is the Charger SRT Hellcat, a two-door muscle car with a price tag of around $32,000. The frequency of theft claims for this model was found to be more than 60 times the average, with a staggering 6,128 claims filed in a year.

This alarming statistic underscores the appeal of such vehicles to thieves, possibly due to their high performance and popularity in popular culture.

A CBS News Philadelphia Investigation— There have been 17,000 cars stolen this year. Police say without proper technology, the thefts will continue at an accelerated rate. Why is the technology lacking, even when there’s money for it? Our report airs at 5:30p on @CBSPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/AKflotWLpR

— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) October 17, 2023

The second most stolen car, according to the report, is the robust Dodge Charger HEMI, which was stolen at a rate more than 20 times the average.

A midsize luxury Infiniti secured the dubious distinction of being the third-most seized vehicle. The iconic Dodge Challenger and Land Rover’s Range Rover rounded out the top five, both stolen at rates significantly higher than the average.

Interestingly, the presence of two KIA SUVs in the top ten list has been linked to a dangerous trend propagated on the social media platform TikTok.

This trend, which encourages young teens to steal specific cars using a USB cord, specifically targeted Hyundai-Kia vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2021. This phenomenon led to an 85% increase in car theft of Hyundais and Kias from the previous year.

The FBI’s annual crime report confirmed a spike in auto theft in 2022, quantifying the increase at 20%. This translates to some 721,852 car thefts last year, compared to 601,453 the year before.

⚠️Thieves are targeting catalytic converters hoping to cash in on the precious metals inside them.

Here are some tips on how to protect your car against catalytic converter thefts! pic.twitter.com/fdWMzuZr8N

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 12, 2023

Despite a decrease in violent incidents, auto thefts remain stubbornly high, posing a significant concern for law enforcement agencies and vehicle owners alike.

Luxury vehicles continue to be prime targets for thieves, with models from BMW, Infiniti, and Land Rover frequently appearing at the top of the rankings. The appeal of these vehicles may lie in their high resale value or the thrill associated with driving such high-end cars.

The rising trend of car thefts is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.

Vehicle owners, particularly those owning the models most at risk, need to take proactive measures to secure their vehicles. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies must intensify their efforts to curb this worrying trend and ensure the safety of our streets.

This article appeared in Our Patriot and has been published here with permission.