For 2013, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation, according to the NICB report, were (total thefts in parentheses):
1. Honda Accord (53,995)
2. Honda Civic (45,001)
3. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) (27,809)
4. Ford Pickup (Full Size) (26,494)
5. Toyota Camry (14,420)
6. Dodge Pickup (Full Size) (11,347)
7. Dodge Caravan (10,911)
8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (9,272)
9. Toyota Corolla (9,010)
10. Nissan Altima (8,892)
The following are the top 10, 2013 model year vehicles stolen during calendar year 2013:
1. Nissan Altima (810)
2. Ford Fusion (793)
3. Ford Pickup Full Size (775)
4. Toyota Corolla (669)
5. Chevrolet Impala (654)
6. Hyundai Elantra (541)
7. Dodge Charger (536)
8. Chevrolet Malibu (529)
9. Chevrolet Cruze (499)
10. Ford Focus (483)
SUMMARY: The National Insurance Crime Bureau released its annual Hot Wheels report on August 18, which identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. In response to the report (found at www.nicb.org), and the on-going problem of auto theft in Lane County, Eugene Police again emphasizes the effectiveness of the Club anti-theft protection device. Eugene Police detectives have not received a report of any cars being stolen with the device installed. However, there have been a few cases in which the Club was in the vehicle, just not being used.
The Club anti-theft protection device is available at the following locations for the price of $13.00:
Police Headquarters: 300 Country Club Road, Eugene, OR 97401
541.682.5131, Open 24/7
West University Station: 791 East 13th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401
541.682.8350, Regular hours Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on Labor Day)
Downtown Station: 960 Olive Street, Eugene, Oregon 97401
541.682.5280, Regular hours Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on Labor Day)
Cut your risk of being a vehicle theft victim:
• Always take your keys with you. Don’t try to hide them on or near your vehicle. An experienced thief knows where all the hiding places are.
• Lock your vehicle every time you leave it, even if only for a short time.
• Completely close your car windows when parking. Don’t make it easy for a thief to gain entry.
• Don’t leave ANYTHING in your car. Any item can attract attention and tempt thieves to break into your vehicle.
• Don’t leave a trace. Don’t leave any sign that there may be valuables “out of sight,” in your vehicle. For example, the mounting bracket on your dashboard or a charging cord might tell thieves you have a GPS or cell phone/MP3 player in your glove box.
• Park in well-lit high activity locations. Thieves prefer breaking into cars in isolated areas.
• If you must leave something in your car, think about your risk. Consider placing items in your trunk before arriving at your destination. Someone may be watching you when you put your valuables under the seat or in the trunk.
• A car alarm can be a deterrent but don’t let it lull you into complacency Lock doors, roll up windows and don’t leave anything in the car.
• Park your car in your garage at home.
• Remember, your garage door opener is a key to your home. Secure it on your person, not in your car.
• Upon leaving or entering your vehicle, be observant of people and activities. Report anything suspicious to the Eugene Police Department right away by calling the non-emergency number, 541.682.5111.
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