Times are tough and they’re only getting tougher. When times get tough, people get desperate and start to do desperate and start to do desperate things. In America, a car is stolen every 26 seconds. Nearly half of these cars are never recovered, having been parted out in chop shops or transported overseas. If you think the likelihood of your car being stolen are slim because you own a 10 year old car, you are sadly mistaken.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau compiled the list of cars stolen most often in 2011 from FBI data. The 1994 Honda Accord, the 1995 Honda Civic and the 1991 Toyota Camry are the top three. Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge pick-up trucks secure the next three positions. The remaining four that round out the top ten are the 2004 Dodge Caravan, 1994 Acura Integra, 2002 Ford Explorer and the 1999 Ford Taurus.

Why do old cars top the list? Well, there are two reasons. The first reason is a matter of economics. As with any business, the issue of supply and demand drives the market and the auto theft industry is no exception. Honda’s and Toyota’s have been in demand for many years because of the quality of workmanship  put into the vehicle. These vehicles stay on the road longer then there Detroit made counterparts. Therefore, there’s a higher demand for Honda and Toyota parts. Secondly, older vehicles usually have fewer security features which make them easier to steal. Newer vehicles are factory equipped with many features that can deter awould be thieve.  Everything from the electronic ignition to the passive security systems make it more difficult for a criminal to gain access to a newer vehicle. There is less risk in stealing an older vehicle.

You are at risk if you own an older vehicle. However, there are ways to deter the criminals.  The best way to protect your vehicle is to make it more difficult for thieves to take your car. Car thieves are lazy. They will always pick the target that brings them the most reward for the least effort or risk. Make your car less desirable by discouraging thieves. You can install devices that will make your car harder to steal. For around $50 you can purchase a steering wheel lock such as The Club. Aftermarket alarm systems are also available for around 2 to 300 hundred dollars and can be installed by any professional auto electronic shop.