Critical Information of Vehicle Theft

All types of vehicles - automobiles, motorcycles and commercial equipment - are at risk for theft. LoJack has collected information from a variety of well-respected sources to help you learn about all types of vehicle theft. For those wishing to do more in depth research, we have provided links to key sites.

Questions regarding vehicle theft protection and prevention tips can be directed to theftexperts@lojack.com.

Motor Vehicle Theft

Car thieves strike every 26.4 seconds!

How does your city rank for theft?

Check Out These Vehicle Theft Statistics:

Federal Bureau of Investigation Statistics (2006): (Released 10/07)

• 1.2 million vehicles reported stolen in 2006
• In U.S., one vehicle stolen every 26.4 seconds
• Estimated total value of vehicles stolen nationwide is over $7.9 billion

2006 Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in U.S. (Released 10/07)

1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1991 Honda Accord
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Series Pickup
5. 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
7. 1994 Nissan Sentra
8. 1994 Dodge Caravan
9. 1994 Saturn SL
10. 1990 Acura Integra

• Thieves choose these vehicles because of the huge profit potential when the cars are stripped down to their components, which then supply a vast black market for stolen parts
• Popularity of mini vans, pickups, trucks, and sport utility vehicles is making them an increasingly attractive target for thieves
• Vehicle theft is the costliest property crime in the U.S., costing consumers more than $8.6 billion annually
• Nearly 40% of all vehicle thefts occur in or near ports or border communities

For 2007 the ten metropolitan statistical areas with the highest vehicle theft rates are: (Released 4/08)

1. Modesto, CA
2. Las Vegas/Paradise, NV 
3. San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, CA
4. Stockton, CA
5. San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, CA
6. Laredo, TX
7. Albeuquerque, NM 
8. Pheonix/Mesa/Scottsdale, AZ
9. Yakima, WA
10. Tucson, AZ

Motorcycle Theft

• Over 70,000 motorcycle reported stolen in 2005 representing a loss of over $434 million
• Motorcycle theft increased nearly 135% from 2000 to 2005
• In U.S., one motorcycle is stolen every 7.5 minutes
• Typical recovery rate of motorcycles is only 25-30%

For 2005 the ten states with the highest motorcycle theft rates are: (Released 7/06)

1. California (9,110)
2. Florida (6,324)
3. Texas (5,755)
4. North Carolina (3,053)
5. Ohio (2,573)
6. Arizona (2,464)
7. New York (2,195)
8. Indiana (2,186)
9. Georgia (2,159)
10. Pennsylvania (2,021)

2005 and 2004 Motorcycle Thefts by State

Construction Theft

The criminal world has discovered a lucrative and growing market: heavy construction equipment. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, close to $1 billion a year is lost nationwide due to the theft of construction equipment and tools.