NJ vehicle theft stats show what type of car is most stolen
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Straight Arrow News
New Jerseyans who drive a Honda Accord should be extra careful in locking up their vehicles, according to recent data on vehicle thefts throughout the United States.
The study from online investment advising company FinanceBuzz shows that the Accord was stolen most often in the Garden State in 2024, with 755 reported thefts throughout the year. The model was the fourth-most-commonly taken car taken in the U.S. overall and was the most frequent target in three other states: Massachusetts (where it tied with the Hyundai Elantra), Rhode Island and South Carolina.
The most common type of car stolen in the country was the Hyundai Elantra, which was swiped 31,712 times last year. Another Hyundai model, the Sonata, was second at 26,720, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 21,666 and the Accord at 18,539.
Rounding out the top 10, in order, were the Kia Optima, Honda Civic, Kia Soul, Ford F150 Series, Toyota Camry and Dodge Charger.
FinanceBuzz compiled the data by reviewing auto theft claims filed with the National Insurance Crime Bureau in 2024. The stats show there were more than 850,000 cars stolen in the U.S. last year, which equates to one every 37 seconds.
The Elantra appeared as the most frequently stolen car in a whopping 21 states, including in Massachusetts, where it was tied for the lead, plus Washington, DC. The Silverado came in a distant second as the most common target in nine states, while in third place was the Ford F150 series in six states.
New Jersey data shows that motor vehicle theft has been rising in recent years even as property crime in general remains relatively steady.
The most notable spike occurred in 2021, when car thefts increased more than 40% over the previous year, state police figures show. The rate of stolen cars has gone up more than 45% since 2016.
Car theft prevention tips
Summer is the season when vehicle thefts occur most often, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency urges drivers to take several commonsense measures to reduce the risk, including the following steps:
- Close and lock all windows after parking.
- Take the key instead of leaving it in or on the vehicle.
- Park in well-lit areas if possible.
- Do not leave valuables in the vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside.
What to do if your car is stolen
If you are a victim of vehicle theft, contact police immediately to file a report. You should also contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours.
You will need a copy of the report and/or its case number to provide to the insurance company. You may also be asked to provide the license plate number; the vehicle’s make, model and color; and the vehicle identification number, or VIN, and any identifying characteristics.
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