Posted on 09/01/2009 7:53:17 AM PDT by wrrock
Certain models of older cars and trucks are popular with thieves because of the value of their parts. Frequently, the parts can be stripped from a car at a chop shop and sold for at least twice as much as the value of the vehicle on the used car market. Newer models are also more difficult, but not impossible to steal thanks to anti-theft technology incorporated by the manufacturers. In addition, popular cars are often stolen more simply because their are more of them.
See the list of top 10 stolen cars 2008: http://www.cardealerreviews.org/?p=117133
(Excerpt) Read more at cardealerreviews.org ...
#1 is the entire General Motors Corporation, stolen by the United Auto Workers and The Democrat Party.
Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys...
Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device...
Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your car won’t start, it won’t get stolen...
Tracking Device: A tracking device...
Passive security measures are best when coupled with more active modes of anti-theft protection...
What a relief!
I was worried my 1971 Jeep Commando was going to be on the list.
They obviously included the ones left in the "hood" with the keys in the ignition.
Fortunately car thieves are too big of dumb asses to drive sticks or Jeep Wranglers would be on the list. I have a rag top and you don’t lock the doors because the punks will slash the top. I had some idiots rummage through it last weekend. I keep nothing in it so their efforts were wasted.
These criminals must be stupid! Why steal a 1994 Honda Accord when you can steal a 2009 or 2008 Honda Accord?
Also, why not steal a late model Mercedes or BMW?
These people aren’t using their heads.
There usually isn't much demand for parts of new cars. Older cars break down, thus more demand for older car parts.
Well, it looks like the imports aren’t as attractive as the domestics. I guess my Plymouth K car and Ford Pinto were a good investment.
Wow...I actually had a dream last night that my truck was stolen.
Seriously tho, who DOES NOT lock their car and take their keys these days??
We had 2 Jeep Cherokees. Loved them both. The last one caught fire (engine—a mechanic didn’t put the fuel line back on properly). Sad. I loved that vehicle.
Thieves go after easy targets. Late model cars are more likely to have alarms and other, better, anti-theft equipment.
It depends where you live/work.
My keys are in my car in my parking lot right now.
My keys are always in my truck when it is in my driveway at home.
I live in NH.
Even when I lived in rural East TX I didn’t leave my keys in my car. I admit when I was younger I used to leave my purse in my car (but locked) but I don’t do that any more since it’s in invitation for someone to break my window to steal my purse.
But, you may never have a problem. I just don’t know why anyone would tempt fate.
I think they often base their choices on parts demand. For most car thieves, stripping cars for parts, or quckly unloading them to a “chop shop” is easier and safer for them than trying to unload whole stolen cars.
I can understand stealing a 1994 Honda Accord in this condition. :-)
One word: PARTS!
If I worked 10 miles south of here I would never consider it.
Head up to North Dakota in the winter and walk through a mall parking lot.
Many of the cars will be idling while the owners shop.
If they turned them off the engines blocks would freeze and crack.
The auto theft rate, as well as all other crime, is extremely low.
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