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 32.2 seconds! 

How does your city rank for theft?

Check Out These Vehicle Theft Statistics:

Federal Bureau of Investigation Statistics (2008):

• Nearly one million vehicles were reported stolen in 2008
• In U.S., one vehicle stolen every 32.2 seconds
• Estimated total value of vehicles stolen nationwide is over $6.5 billion

2007 Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in U.S. (Released 07/08)

1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1991 Honda Accord
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Series Pickup
5. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
6. 1994 Acura Integra
7. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
8. 1994 Nissan Sentra
9. 1988 Toyota Pickup
10. 2007 Toyota Corolla

• 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 2008 the ten metropolitan statistical areas with the highest vehicle theft rates are: (Released 4/09)

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

Motorcycle Theft

• Nearly 61,000 motorcycle reported stolen in 2008 representing a loss of over $404 million
• In U.S., one motorcycle is stolen every 8.3 minutes
• Typical recovery rate of motorcycles is only 25-30%

For 2008 the ten states with the highest motorcycle theft rates are: (Released 3/09)

1. California (7,125)
2. Florida (5,992)
3. Texas (5,573)
4. North Carolina (3,174)
5. Indiana (2,223)
6. South Carolina (2,152)
7. Maryland (2,006)
8. Ohio (1,854)
9. New York (1,851)
10. Georgia (1,701)

2008 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.