According to the N.I.C.B. (National Insurance Crime
Bureau), the top 10 most stolen vehicles stolen in the
state of Florida in 2006 are ranked as:
2000
Honda Civic 1996
Honda Accord 1990
Toyota Camry 2006
Ford F150 Pickup 2004
Dodge Ram Pickup 2008
Nissan Altima 2000
Dodge Caravan 2007
Toyota Corolla 1995
Nissan Maxima 1996
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
While there is no
foolproof way to safeguard a vehicle against theft,
there are many “no cost” deterrents owners can use to
protect themselves and their automobiles. For example, a
thief’s greatest enemy is time. The more difficult your
vehicle is to steal, the longer it takes to be stolen.
The longer it takes, the more likely it is that the
thief will move on to an easier target.
Here are some tips
to help protect you and your vehicle:
Don’t become
complacent because you drive an older-model vehicle.
Older cars can be resold quickly or stripped for parts.
A vehicle’s parts are worth two to three times the value
of the car.
Close all windows, lock all doors and
take the keys with you.
Never hide a second set of keys anywhere
on your vehicle. Thieves know all the hiding places.
Never leave your vehicle running, even if
you will only be gone for a minute; vehicles are
commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations and
ATMs.
Park in well-lighted areas.
Use your garage;
lock both the vehicle and the garage. Locking both doors
greatly reduces the chance of theft.
Keep your garage
door opener with you. The thief may attempt to get into
your house.
Don’t leave your original registration or
title in your car. File the title at home in a safe
place and carry your registration in your purse or
wallet.
Park in attended lots. Thieves don’t like
witnesses.
Park your vehicle with wheels turned
toward the curb, even when parking in driveways and
parking lots. This makes your vehicle difficult to tow.
Put all packages and
personal items out of sight. Items left in the open make
your vehicle a more desirable target.
2000
Honda Civic