The 10 most-stolen cars in Massachusetts and the U.S.
Canton-based vehicle security company LoJack reports law enforcement recovered more than $112 million in stolen vehicles last year.
In its seventh annual “Vehicle Theft Recovery Report,’’ LoJack found California had the highest rate of stolen and recovered vehicles in 2015, followed by Texas and Florida. Massachusetts came in at No. 9.
Nationwide, the most-stolen and recovered vehicles were the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Acura Integra, Nissan Altima, Ford F-250, Nissan Maxima and Chevrolet Tahoe.
The trends for stolen cars in Massachusetts are mostly in line with the national trends with the Accord, Civic, Camry and Corolla also making up the top four most-stolen and recovered vehicles (but in a different order than nationwide).
Acura was also a more popular brand among Massachusetts thieves than in the rest of the nation with three models among the most-stolen and recovered in the commonwealth.
Here are the 10 most stolen and recovered vehicles in Massachusetts in 2015:
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Pat Clancy, vice president of law enforcement for LoJack, said popular Japanese car brands are often targeted for aftermarket parts.
“Camrys, Corollas, Civics and Accords are usually at or near the top of the list because they’re the most vehicles out in the population and have the most demand for parts,’’ said Clancy in a phone interview.
In New England, Clancy warns vehicle owners to be extra careful during winter months. Some folks may leave their cars running to let their engines warm up, but this practice presents an opportunity for car thieves.
“We’re all guilty of it…you start a car while you get a cup of coffee indoors and then get into a warm car,’’ said Clancy. “Thieves are dropping off in neighborhoods and looking for cars that are already running. It’s a very popular method of stealing cars.’’
He also warns that thefts of more advanced vehicles can lead to identity theft crimes because personal information may be entered into a vehicle’s on-board computer.
“Our vehicles have become an extension of our digitally-enabled lives and carry sensitive personal information about us,’’ said Clancy. “Each time a vehicle is stolen, it impacts the owner far beyond the loss of property.’’
Clancy recommends vehicle owners make sure their vehicle is locked, parked in a well-lit area, preferably an area with lots of traffic. Valuables should kept out of sight or not left in a vehicle at all.
The report found the average value of stolen vehicles was $10,287. The LoJack report also notes that several higher-end cars were also heavily targeted by thieves last year. Stolen and recovered vehicles priced over $30,000 include the Land Rover Range Rover, Ford F-Series pickup trucks, BMW X-Series, Chevrolet Camaro and the Audi Q-Series.
A 2011 Bentley Continental GT valued at $138,481 was the most expensive vehicle recovered last year while a 1956 Ford Fairlane was the oldest vehicle recovered.
LoJack builds aftermarket vehicle tracking systems to help recover stolen vehicles.
The recovered vehicles were equipped with the LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System.
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