19Mar
Speaking of the most stolen cars right now, car thefts constitute a serious concern in North America and around the world. It’s a persistent problem in the face of technological advances, with certain regions recording higher rates of vehicle theft compared to others. Organized crime groups often target popular car models for resale or export, fanning the constant demand for stolen vehicles globally.
In many cases, stolen vehicles are smuggled across borders or dismantled for parts. The rise of technology has presented new challenges in combating car theft, as thieves use advanced methods like key fob cloning, relay attacks, and hacking to steal vehicles.
Based on the information available from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the Equité Association, below are the top ten most stolen automobiles in 2023:
- Honda CR-V
- Dodge RAM 1500 Series
- Ford F150 Series
- Lexus RX Series
- Toyota Highlander
- Honda Civic
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Land Rover/Range Rover
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
- Jeep Wrangler
These vehicles were among the most frequently stolen automobiles in both the United States and Canada in 2023.
Fort Knox on Wheels: The Hardest Cars to Steal In 2024, According to the IIHS
10. Most Stolen Offroader In North America: Jeep Wrangler
- Number of Jeep Wranglers Stolen: 1,003
As reported by the Atlanta Journal, a red Jeep Wrangler was reported stolen from a parking lot near the downtown area. The vehicle’s owner stated that the theft occurred during the night while the vehicle was parked.
GetJerry says Jeeps are a target for thieves because their typically higher ground clearance makes them suitable for off-roading. It’s rather unfortunate that this iconic American king of offroad among SUVs is increasingly becoming a hot target for thieves. In 2023, 1,003 Jeep Wrangler vehicles were stolen in North America alone.
9. Most Stolen Pickups In America Chevrolet Silverado
- Number of Chevrolet Silverados Stolen: 1,085
In June last year, a group of thieves was arrested in New Jersey for stealing multiple vehicles from a car dealership using a tow truck, including Chevrolet Silverado trucks. The stolen vehicles were later recovered, and the suspects were apprehended.
The investigation revealed that the thieves were part of a larger criminal operation involved in vehicle theft and trafficking. In 2023, there were 1,085 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series vehicles stolen in North America.
8. Most Stolen Luxury SUVs In 2023: Range Rover
- Number of Range Rovers Stolen: 1,312
Jaguar Land Rover has made efforts to reduce the number of Range Rover vehicles being stolen amid a surge in insurance prices for the luxury SUV. The company has invested roughly $19 million (£15 million) to update older models and ensure they are more difficult to steal.
There have been improvements in security features to combat organized crime gangs that make bank shipping stolen high-end vehicles abroad. Furthermore, security enhancements on new Range Rovers have helped reduce thefts, with only 0.07% of new Range Rovers stolen since January 2022.
Be as it may, Range Rovers have become a target for thieves due to their popularity and sophistication. Criminals use methods like relay attacks to steal these luxury SUVs. The theft epidemic has made insuring Range Rovers a challenge in major UK areas. In 2023, 1,312 Land Rover/Range Rover vehicles were stolen in North America.
7. Most Stolen Vehicles In America: Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Number of Jeep Grand Cherokees Stolen: 1,499
The Grand Cherokee is gradually becoming a favorite of carjackers. 1,499 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles were stolen in North America last year. A suspect was caught on video stealing a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee model in Batavia, Ohio.
The thief gained access to the SUV via the passenger door and drove away, and then proceeded to use the victim's Venmo card for purchases at a gas station. The police tracked the Jeep using GPS data, locating it near Dayton in Montgomery County.
6. Most Stolen SUVs In North America: Toyota Highlander
- Number of Toyota Highlander Stolen: 1,712
Coincidentally, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has just been crowned the best hybrid SUV for families by US News & World Report. The model’s solid reliability, robust powertrain, and well-thought-out interior with modern technologies contribute to its high demand in the black market.
July 2023 in Guelph, Ontario, a woman reported to the police that her 2021 Toyota Highlander went missing from her driveway near Victoria Road South and Arkell Road. Just hours earlier, two men were caught on camera scoping out a 2023 Highlander model near Goodwin Drive and Wilkie Crescent. In 2023, there were 1,712 Toyota Highlander vehicles stolen in North America.
See also:
5. Most Stolen Hybrid SUVs In 2023: Lexus RX Series
- Number of Lexus RX Series Stolen: 1,815
The RX-Series Lexus’ popularity is undeniable beyond American shores. In the UK, the hybrid Lexus RX 450h was reported as the second most stolen and recovered vehicle in the first half of 2023, according to Tracker. Notably, the 450h is the KBB’s best hybrid luxury SUV 2023/2024.
The increase in thefts of hybrid cars reflects their growing popularity in the market. Professional criminals are targeting these vehicles to meet market demand, with the Lexus RX 450h moving rapidly up to the second spot in the most stolen and recovered hybrid table. 1,815 Lexus RX Series vehicles were stolen in North America in 2023.
4. Most Stolen Vehicles In America: Ford F-150 Pickup Trucks
- Number of Ford F-150s Stolen: 1,833
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, a string of new Ford F-150s was stolen directly from holding lots in recent months, triggering a cascade of misfortune for customers, dealers, title companies, and others across the western United States.
The stolen trucks were driven to the Phoenix metro area to be sold to unsuspecting buyers with clean titles obtained through stolen blank vehicle titles. In central Ontario, seven out of at least eight pickup trucks reported stolen by their owners were Ford F-150s.
This wave of thefts comes amid a surge in RAM truck thefts in the York Region. 1,833 Ford F150 Series vehicles were stolen in North America in 2023.
3. Most Stolen Trucks In North America: Dodge RAM Trucks
- Number of RAM Trucks Stolen: 12,341
Shining the spotlight on Canada again, more than 130 Ram trucks were stolen in York Region in 2023. Criminals are targeting these trucks for resale overseas, using advanced methods like reprogramming key fobs and relay attacks to steal them.
Authorities advised owners to use additional security measures like steering wheel lock devices and Faraday pouches to protect their vehicles. In 2023, there were 12,341 Dodge Ram 1500 Series vehicles stolen in North America.
2. Most Stolen Compact Car: Honda Civic
- Number of Honda Civics Stolen: 13,832
In San Diego, a man suspected of stealing a Honda Civic was arrested after leading the police on a high-speed chase in the wrong direction on Interstate 15. The car’s owner reported it stolen, and the car was located shortly after. The driver led officers on a chase, reaching speeds of over 100 mph and driving south in the northbound lanes.
The driver was eventually apprehended, and it was discovered that he had four active warrants for his arrest. The Civic ranks at the top of ALG’s residual award winners, alongside the Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, and Honda Passport. 13,832 Honda Civic vehicles were stolen in North America last year.
1. Most Stolen Cars In 2023: Honda CR-V Compact SUV
- Number of Honda CR-Vs Stolen: 13,832
With 2,684 cars stolen, the Honda CR-V was the most stolen vehicle in Ontario, Canada, recently. It was also the most stolen car in Canada overall, with over 5,600 thefts. Sources say the increase in auto thefts is a particularly concerning trend due to organized crime using the proceeds to fund illegal activities.
Canada’s CTV News reported that auto theft reached historical highs in the country last year. The Honda CR-V was also the preferred target for car thieves in Ontario and across Canada in 2022.
The increase in auto theft in Ontario and Quebec raised concerns about Canada being a source country for illegal trade, with stolen vehicles funding domestic and international criminal activities, according to the CBC. In 2023, there were 13,832 Honda CR-Vs stolen in North America.
Sources: Equite Assoc. / Excalibur Insurance / National Insurance Crime Bureau / Various news sources
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