History of Car theft and models most stolen in America

The history of car theft is surprisingly fascinating! Car theft, as an organized crime, started to rise not long after cars themselves became widely available. Here's a look at how and why it began and evolved:

1. Early 20th Century: The Birth of the Automobile and Early Car Thefts

• The first widespread car thefts began in the early 1900s, shortly after the automobile became popular. As cars became more affordable and common, so did the opportunities for theft.
• In this era, car thieves typically targeted cars simply to use as transportation. Once they were done with the vehicle, they would abandon it, making it easier for owners to recover their stolen property.

2. 1920s–1930s: Organized Crime and “Chop Shops”

• As cars became more valuable, organized crime groups began stealing them as a source of income. By the 1920s and 1930s, criminal organizations started using chop shops—illegal garages where stolen cars were dismantled, and parts were sold separately. This was much harder for law enforcement to track since there were no digital records or VIN numbers to easily identify parts.
• During the Prohibition era (1920–1933) in the U.S., stolen cars were also commonly used by bootleggers to transport illegal alcohol across state lines. Since these cars were unregistered or untraceable, they offered a “safe” means of transportation for smuggling.

3. 1940s–1960s: Post-War Car Boom and Rising Car Thefts

• Following World War II, car ownership surged, leading to more car thefts. Cars were now part of the American dream, and many families owned vehicles, making car theft a more common issue.
• As crime became more organized, stolen cars were increasingly sold to unsuspecting buyers or shipped to other regions or countries. Law enforcement faced a difficult time tracking stolen cars, which led to the introduction of vehicle identification numbers (VINs) in the 1950s as a means of tracking vehicles.

4. 1970s–1980s: Anti-Theft Technology and Increased Car Thefts

• By the 1970s, car theft had become a major problem, prompting car manufacturers to introduce anti-theft devices like steering locks, alarm systems, and VIN etching.
• Despite these advances, car theft continued to grow, in part due to the rise of joyriding (theft for thrill), especially among younger offenders. The surge in car popularity, combined with limited security features, made cars attractive and accessible targets.

5. 1990s: Technology Booms and Advanced Anti-Theft Systems

• In the 1990s, new anti-theft technologies, including immobilizers, alarms, and electronic keys, became common, leading to a temporary decline in car theft rates.
• However, organized criminals adapted, using new methods to disable or bypass these security measures. “Hotwiring” and key duplication were still issues, as some thieves were skilled enough to manipulate older cars that lacked sophisticated security features.

6. 2000s–Present: Smart Keys, Keyless Entry, and Cybersecurity Risks

• Today, technology has made car theft more complicated, but it has also introduced new vulnerabilities. With the rise of keyless entry and ignition systems, car theft has shifted to focus more on relay attacks (which trick a car’s system into “thinking” the key is nearby), making high-tech cars as vulnerable as simpler ones.
• Cybersecurity issues have also opened new doors for thieves, who can hack into a car’s onboard systems. For instance, some cars with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity have been hacked remotely, allowing thieves to unlock or even start the vehicle without ever touching it.

Key Moments in Car Theft Prevention

• 1970s–1980s: Introduction of car alarms and steering locks.
• 1990s: Introduction of VIN etching and immobilizers.
• 2000s–2010s: Rise of keyless systems and vehicle tracking (GPS).
• Present Day: Growth of cybersecurity features and biometrics for car access.

Why Car Theft Endures

Car theft persists because thieves continuously adapt to new security measures. The current wave of tech-savvy car thieves exploits the very technologies designed to make driving more convenient, such as keyless entry systems and remote start features. Today’s car theft methods are highly strategic, requiring little to no force—just digital expertise.

Interesting Side Note: Cultural Impact

Car theft has been romanticized in movies and media, with films like Gone in 60 Seconds (1974 and 2000) showcasing elaborate heists and “boosting” cars. This glamorization has fueled both curiosity and imitation in some cases, turning car theft into a recognized cultural phenomenon.

So, from smuggling during Prohibition to tech-based car theft today, the history of car theft reflects societal changes, advances in technology, and the ingenuity (and persistence) of criminals to find new opportunities even as security improves.

There is a clear trend in car theft based on specific models, with certain types of cars consistently targeted more often than others. The cars most commonly stolen tend to fall into a few general categories, influenced by factors such as demand for parts, ease of theft, and popularity of the model. Here’s a breakdown of the trend:

1. Older, High-Demand Models

• Older models, especially from the 1990s to early 2000s, often lack advanced anti-theft technology, making them easier to steal. Additionally, these vehicles tend to have parts that are highly interchangeable with similar models, creating high demand for components like engines, airbags, and catalytic converters.
• Examples:
  • Honda Civic (particularly 1990s models)
  • Honda Accord
  • Toyota Camry
  • Ford F-Series trucks

2. Popular Trucks and SUVs

• Large trucks and SUVs are among the most stolen vehicles in the U.S. This is partly due to the high resale value of truck parts, as well as the general popularity of these vehicles, which are commonly found in urban and suburban areas. In some cases, these vehicles are also stolen for their durability and off-road capability.
• Examples:
  • Ford F-Series (especially F-150)
  • Chevrolet Silverado
  • GMC Sierra
  • Dodge Ram

3. Luxury and High-Performance Cars

• Luxury vehicles and sports cars with high resale values are often targeted, especially in urban areas or regions known for organized crime. These cars are desirable both for their value as whole vehicles and as sources of expensive parts.
• Examples:
  • BMW X5 and X6
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Range Rover models

4. Hybrid Cars and Catalytic Converter Theft

• Hybrid cars are increasingly targeted because their catalytic converters contain a higher concentration of precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are valuable on the black market. While these cars may not be stolen as frequently for resale, their catalytic converters are often targeted.
• Examples:
  • Toyota Prius
  • Honda Insight

5. Recent Models with Keyless Entry Vulnerabilities

• Vehicles with keyless entry and push-to-start systems are more vulnerable to "relay attacks." This method involves thieves amplifying the signal from a key fob within range to unlock and start the car, even if the fob is inside the owner's house. This trend has led to an increase in thefts of newer models with this technology.
• Examples:
  • Range Rover and Land Rover models
  • Ford Mustang
  • Toyota Highlander
  • Various luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz

Regional Variations

• In some regions, particular models may be more popular targets based on local demand. For example, pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado are particularly targeted in states like Texas and California, where trucks are very popular.

Why These Models?

• High Resale Value and Demand for Parts: Older vehicles and trucks often have a high demand for spare parts on the black market, which drives up theft rates.
• Ease of Theft: Older cars with less advanced security are easier to steal, while keyless systems in newer cars have introduced vulnerabilities.
• Popularity: Popular models that are frequently seen on the road are also more frequently stolen, as there is a larger market for parts and whole vehicles.

The Most Stolen Models in Recent Years

Based on recent data, the following models are among the most stolen in the U.S.:

• Honda Civic (older models from the late 1990s)
• Honda Accord
• Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado (full-size pickups)
• Toyota Camry
• Nissan Altima
• Jeep Grand Cherokee

Takeaways for Car Owners

If you own one of these frequently stolen models, it’s important to invest in extra security measures, like steering wheel locks, car alarms, and, if possible, park in a garage. For owners of newer keyless models, keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch or away from entry points can reduce the risk of relay attacks.

Overall, the trend in stolen cars reflects both market demand for specific parts and the vulnerabilities of older and keyless-entry models, making some cars much more likely targets than others.