What are the 10 most commonly stolen cars in Pa.?

Passenger vehicle thefts in the U.S. rose 8% in 2021 compared to 2020, according to a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Almost 1 million vehicles were stolen nationwide last year, with full-size pickups accounting for 14% of the vehicles taken.

“Used car values are at historical highs,” said David Glawe, bureau president and CEO. “We have seen a nearly 35% increase in used car values over the last two years due to supply chain issues and inflation.”

The stolen cars can be resold overseas or stripped down for parts in the U.S., he said.

In Pennsylvania, NICB data from 2021 shows the 10 most commonly stolen cars are relatively new models, with a handful of exceptions.

Here’s the top 10 vehicles most stolen in the state, along with the year most commonly stolen:

1. Honda Accord (2003 and 1997)
2. Nissan Altima (2020)
3. Honda Civic (2000)
4. Ford pickup, full size (2019)
5. Toyota Camry (2020)
6. Chevrolet Malibu (2020)
7. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (2019)
8. Toyota Corolla (2020)
9. Hyundai Elantra (2019)
10. Honda CR-V (2000)

The NICB says these were these were the mostly commonly stolen cars across the U.S. in 2021:

1. Chevrolet pickup, full size (2004)
2. Ford pickup, full size (2006)
3. Honda Civic (2000)
4. Honda Accord (1997)
5. Toyota Camry (2007)
6. GMC pickup, full size (2005)
7. Nissan Altima (2020)
8. Honda CR-V (2000)
9. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (2018)
10. Toyota Corolla (2020)

More than 800,000 vehicles were stolen in the U.S. in 2020, costing owners more than $7 billion, government data show. Summer is prime time for car thefts, and July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests owners can reduce thefts by doing a number of things, including making sure to close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Also, take your car keys with you — don’t leave them in the car.

Parking in well-lit areas can reduce the likelihood of a theft. Also, don’t leave valuables in your car, especially if they can be seen by passersby.

“Some of the most popular vehicle parts or valuable items stolen from vehicles include doors, engines, transmissions, air bags, radios, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses,” the NHTSA says.

Drivers can also try to protect their car with an anti-theft device, which makes a vehicle more difficult to steal or easier to recover.

Alarms and steering wheel locks bring attention to or create a visual deterrence, the NHTSA says. Other devices can stop the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine to keep a thief from hot-wiring it. Recovery systems use electronic transmission technology to help police find a stolen vehicle.

Victims of car theft should contact the police immediately to file a report, the NHTSA recommends, and they should reach out to their insurance company within 24 hours.