Despite all the tracking chips and fancy tech, car theft remains a significant issue in the United States. There are many factors behind this but the most common in the year 2023 was TikTok trends to show how easy it was to hack certain brand’s security system. It made a few brands like KIA and Hyundai more vulnerable. In this article we will highlight some of the popular stolen models, contributing factors, safety measures, and prevention.
The Current State of Car Theft
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) “Last year, more than one million vehicles were reported stolen and overall vehicle thefts increased about one percent nationwide from 1,008,756 in 2022 to 1,020,729 in 2023”. Criminals used different techniques to steal cars, from relay attacks on keys to bypassing keyless security systems. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program also monitors these trends, providing valuable data for understanding vehicle theft incidents.
Key Trends and Insights
- Increasing Theft Rates:
The number of car thefts rose by about 1% from 2022 to 2023, reaching over 1 million thefts. Almost all types of vehicles were at stake, but Kia and Hyundai were those two makers who have become top targets, with viral online challenges showcasing how to steal them easily.
- Top Stolen Vehicles:
In 2023, six out of the ten most stolen vehicles were Kia and Hyundai models. The Ford F-150 was at the top with the theft rate of 1815 per 100K, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, and Honda Civic also remain popular targets.
- Insurance Costs:
The average full-coverage insurance rate for the most stolen cars in USA is approximately $ 2,679, which is about 6% higher than the national average rate of $2,556.
- Geographic Distribution
The NICB reports that states like California, Texas, and Florida were among the top vehicle thefts. Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami were more vulnerable cities, correlating with higher population densities and crime rates.
Most Stolen Models in 2023
All the models among different makers were stolen but certain car models of few brands were to be targeted more frequently by thieves. The following vehicles made the list of most stolen models in 2023:
Ford F-150: 15,852 stolen
Hyundai Elantra: 48,445 stolen
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 23,721 stolen
Hyundai Sonata: 42,813 stolen
Honda Civic: 19,858 stolen
Kia Optima: 30,204 stolen
Honda Accord: 20,895 stolen
Kia Soul: 21,001 stolen
Kia Forte: 16,209 stolen
Kia Sportage: 15,749 stolen
These vehicles are favoured due to their popularity, ease of resale, and the availability of replacement parts (NICB, 2023).
Factors Contributing to Thefts
- Security Vulnerabilities:
Many targeted Kia because a viral social media trend urging TikTok viewers to steal cars is known as the Kia Challenge, this trend showcased the security vulnerabilities of the models. The company released an anti-theft software update for certain models, but owners should take additional security measures. Steering-wheel locks, security decals, and tracking recovery systems are a few of the theft deterrents the NHTSA recommends.
Hyundai models lack advanced theft prevention features, which makes them easier to steal. They recently released an anti-theft software update that has not been broadly adopted—only about 15% of owners with vulnerable models have installed them.
Some of the older vehicles of different makers with outdated security systems are more vulnerable. Many thieves also bypass the basic immobilizers and alarms that are installed standard in newer cars.
- Popularity:
Common vehicles like the Honda Accord and Civic are prime targets due to their prevalence on the roads, making them easier to sell for parts or disguise after theft.
Safety Measures to Prevent Car Theft
Thieves often choose easy targets, according to NICB reports, models with low security systems and more road presence remain frequent targets. To reduce the risk of car theft, drivers are advised to:
- Stay up to date with newer software updates
- Invest in better security gadgets
- Lock all windows and doors
- Avoid leaving valuables in sight
- Use visual deterrents like steering-wheel locks
- Store key fobs in protective pouches
- Park in well-lit areas
- Report thefts promptly to increase recovery chances
Conclusion
Car theft in United States remains a pressing issue, you should take preventive measures. If something unfortunate happens report the police immediately, if reported in 24 hours, cars have a 34% same-day recovery rate. As communities and individuals take steps to enhance vehicle security, comprehensive awareness and proactive strategies are essential to combat this ongoing problem.