Car thefts have been skyrocketing across the United States, with Texas emerging as a top hotspot. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recorded a staggering 1,020,729 vehicles stolen nationwide in 2023, and Texas claimed 115,013 of them. The financial hit? A whopping $8 billion annually. If you live in the Lone Star State, these statistics make it clear: your car is a prime target. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle.

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Texas Takes a Big Hit in National Car Theft Surge

With over 1 million cars stolen across the U.S. last year, Texas came in second only to California for the highest number of thefts. Between 2022 and 2023, thefts in Texas rose significantly, reflecting a troubling national trend. A few contributing factors include:

  • High demand for car parts: Some thieves are after valuable car parts rather than the entire vehicle.
  • Increased vehicle mobility: Cars are easily resold or broken down into parts, making them an attractive target.
  • Negligence by owners: Many thefts occur when owners leave their keys or fobs inside the vehicle, making the job easier for criminals.

Among the most popular models for thieves are Hyundai and Kia vehicles. These brands alone accounted for more than half of the top 10 most stolen cars, which included popular models like the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Optima.

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Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2023

If you drive any of these cars, your vehicle is in high demand for car thieves. According to the NICB, these were the most stolen models last year:

  1. Hyundai Elantra – 48,445 thefts
  2. Hyundai Sonata – 42,813 thefts
  3. Kia Optima – 30,204 thefts
  4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 23,721 thefts
  5. Kia Soul – 21,001 thefts
  6. Honda Accord – 20,985 thefts
  7. Honda Civic – 19,858 thefts
  8. Kia Forte – 16,209 thefts
  9. Ford F-150 Series Pickup – 15,852 thefts
  10. Kia Sportage – 15,749 thefts

With six out of the top 10 vehicles being Hyundai or Kia models, it's clear these brands have become a favorite target. This is partly due to older models (2011-2022) lacking engine immobilizers, making them easier to steal.

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How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Given the rise in thefts, it’s crucial to take preventive measures. Here are a few tips to help protect your car from being stolen:

  1. Park in well-lit, secure areas: Opt for parking spots with cameras, street lighting, or close to busy locations.
  2. Remove valuables: Don’t leave tempting items like electronics or bags in plain sight.
  3. Lock your doors and roll up windows: It may seem obvious, but many thefts occur due to negligence.
  4. Take your keys with you: Never leave your keys or fob in the car.
  5. Use theft deterrents: Consider installing steering wheel locks, alarms, or immobilizers to make your vehicle less attractive to thieves.

Auto thefts often peak during the summer, when more people are outdoors and perhaps less vigilant about vehicle security. Take a few extra moments to ensure your car isn’t an easy target for criminals.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of becoming another statistic in the rapidly increasing trend of car thefts across Texas and the U.S.

Graveyard of Abandoned Cars

The 10 Car Brands Involved in America's Fewest Fatal Accidents

The car history professionals at EpicVin examined The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) fatal vehicle crash data between 2017 and 2022 to determine which vehicle brands were involved in the least. For full methodology, see the link in entry #1. Here's a look at EpicVin's 10 Car Brands Involved in America's Fewest Fatal Accidents

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow