The Most Popular Toyotas Among Car Thieves
Every year, there are thousands of cars stolen in the United States. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported a total of 810,400 cars were stolen in 2020. While any vehicle can be a target for thieves, some models are more popular among criminals than others. Unfortunately, car thefts climbed a whopping 11% after the pandemic in 2020. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, one vehicle was stolen every 36 seconds that year.
Toyota parts are often stolen for a variety of reasons. One reason is that Toyota vehicles are top-rated, so there is a high demand for Toyota parts. Toyota parts are also relatively easy to sell because they are compatible with a wide range of other vehicles. In addition, Toyota parts are often more expensive than parts for other brands of cars, making them more attractive to thieves. Finally, Toyota vehicles are often left unlocked or with the keys inside, making them easy targets for thieves looking for Toyota parts. By taking some simple precautions, such as locking your car and keeping your keys safe, you can help to reduce the chances of your Toyota parts being stolen. In this article, we'll look at the most popular Toyotas among car thieves - and how you can prevent your Toyota from becoming a victim of crime.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of America's best-selling cars, so it's no surprise it's also one of the most popular cars among thieves. The Toyota Camry has a large number of universal parts which are easily resalable to your average thief. The Toyota Camry parts can be used not only on another Camry but in several other makes and models in a variety of cars. The Camry has been one of the U.S.'s top three most stolen vehicles for the past 15 years, with a number of 15,656 stolen in 2022. The most popular year model to be stolen is 2007. More stats can be found here.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corollas are among the most popular cars on the road and are also among the most targeted by car thieves. Thieves seem to target the Toyota Corolla likely due to a combination of factors, including the Corolla's widespread popularity and its relatively low price point. These vehicles are typically targeted by thieves looking to sell them for parts or scrap metal. Like the Camry, the Corolla is affordable and easy to resell - making it an attractive proposition for criminals. Very similar to the Camry, the parts inside this car are considered universal and last for years, making them a hot item for thieves to resell. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Washington D.C. has more Toyota Corollas stolen than any other place in the United States. The most popular year model to be stolen is the 2018 Corolla, and this Toyota came in at a total of 12,137 being stolen in 2022.
How Can Theft Be Prevented
While any car can be stolen, some models are more popular among criminals than others. If you own a Toyota Camry or Corolla, there are several things you can do to prevent your car from becoming a victim of crime. First things first are safety tips that don't cost any additional money. These tips seem to be common sense but somehow are the top reasons thieves choose to target these cars. Always lock your vehicles, no matter where you are or how safe an area you think you are. One of the first things someone trying to steal a car will do is try pulling at each of the doors to check if it is locked. Never leave the keys in the ignition or, for that matter, anywhere inside your car. Choose a well-lit area to park your vehicle in public places at night or when it is dark out. Never leave anything of high value visible to anyone looking inside your car. Other choices that might come at an extra price but are seemingly worth it include investing in a sound quality alarm system, steering wheel brake or pedal locks, starter, ignition, fuel pump disablers, LoJack, or similar vehicle tracking devices.
Taking these precautions can help ensure that your Toyota stays where it belongs - with you.
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