The Hot List: Cars Stolen Most Often

The National Insurance Crime Bureau just released its annual list of Hot Wheels. Not the toys you’re thinking of, but the cars criminals are most likely to turn into their toys.

Here are the 10 models NICB says were the most stolen in America last year…

1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1998 Honda Civic
3. 2006 Ford pickup (full-size)
4. 1991 Toyota Camry
5. 2000 Dodge Caravan
6. 1994 Acura Integra
7. 1999 Chevrolet pickup (full-size)
8. 2004 Dodge pickup (full-size)
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 1994 Nissan Sentra

The good news is that the number of thefts was down: “Preliminary 2011 FBI crime statistics indicate a 3.3 percent reduction from the 737,142 thefts recorded in 2010. Vehicle thefts have not been this low since 1967.” But here’s the advice they give to protect yourself…

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.

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.

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.

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.