Older imports top the list of stolen cars

Top Stolen Cars from AA Insurance: Older imports top the list

AA Insurance today revealed the ten cars stolen most frequently in New Zealand, based on theft claims received over the last four years. Car models where all or most of the vehicles are imported second-hand make up the majority of those on the list and over 80 per cent of the top stolen cars are more than 10 years old.

Top 10 Stolen Cars (Source: AA Insurance claims data 2007-2010)
1.Nissan Silvia
2.Honda Torneo
3.Nissan Skyline
4.Subaru Impreza
5.Subaru Forester
6.Subaru Legacy
7.Nissan Presea
8.Honda Prelude
9.Honda Integra
10.Nissan Cefiro

The Nissan Silvia remains the most frequently stolen car for the third consecutive year and the Nissan Skyline and various models of Subaru remain popular for thieves. New entries this year include the Honda Torneo, the Nissan Presea and the Nissan Cefiro.

To calculate theft incidence AA Insurance measures the number of claims made for each model of car as a percentage of the total number of policies it holds for that model.

“Imported or older vehicles have less security than New Zealand-new vehicles,” says Suzanne Wolton, Head of Corporate Affairs, AA Insurance. “Because they lack the latest security features, such as electronic locking, alarms and immobilisers, second-hand imported vehicles make it easier for thieves to pick and choose their targets.”

Vehicle theft is a significant problem in New Zealand. According to the 2009 New Zealand Police Crime Report Findings, a car is reported stolen approximately every 30 minutes.

In the 2010 AA Insurance Drivers Index, 71 percent of those surveyed indicated that they wouldn’t purchase a car that they considered to be a high theft risk. However, it seems people aren’t aware of the risks associated with older imported vehicles, as up to sixty percent of all vehicles on New Zealand roads are imports and the average vehicle age is 12 years old.

“If you drive an older or imported car there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of theft,” says Suzanne. “You can make it less attractive by installing an alarm or immobiliser, and make sure it can be clearly seen. Thieves don’t like the look of a flashing light or even an alarm sticker, and will usually move on to an easier target.”

The AA Insurance Drivers Index also shows that New Zealanders have a false sense of security and are less careful about their cars when they are at home. One quarter of respondents who regularly leave their car unlocked say they don’t lock their car when it is parked at home and 23 percent don’t lock it when it is in their garage.

“One of the simplest things you can do is lock your car, even when it’s at home or parked in the garage and if you’re in a public place, park where your car, and a thief, will be most visible – under a streetlight or near a security camera,” says Suzanne.

Of the cars reported stolen to AA Insurance, only 30 percent were ever recovered.

Tips for preventing car theft from AA Insurance
Install security. Alarms and immobilisers are good deterrents as potential thieves can see the warning lights, use a steering lock if you have one. Thieves are less likely to break into cars with visible security.
Always lock your car – even when your car is at home in the garage or at the service station.

If you have to park on the street make sure your car is under a street light or in a well lit area.

Use an attended, secure parking building if possible and park close to the entrance or exit.

ENDS

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