Forbes Releases List of Most Stolen New Cars – Is Your’s on the List

Surprisingly, if you drive a higher-end, luxury car, you're better off than those of us who don't.

The annual list which is compiled annually by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is based off FBI data of reported stolen vehicles across the country. The NHSTA notes that thanks to parts-marking and advances in anti-theft technology, the rate of stolen vehicles in the U.S. is at its lowest rate since 1967.

However (you knew it was coming), the FBI calculates roughly 4.5 billion dollars in losses annually from vehicle thefts with one car for every 555 people in the United States being pilfered.

It should be noted that the list below is of the most stolen NEW cars. Research shows that overall, older models are the main target of vehicle theft due to their relative lack of anti-theft technology, which obviously makes it easier for car-jackers to get in and get gone with your ride.

Here's the top 10:

1. Dodge Charger
2. Pontiac G6
3. Chevrolet Impala
4. Chrysler 300
5. Infiniti FX
6. Mitsubishi Galant
7. Chrysler Sebring / 200
8. Lexus SC
9. Dodge Avenger
10. Kia Rio

• Remove your keys from the ignition and take your keys with you.
• Lock your vehicle.
• Never hide a second set of keys in your vehicle.
• Park in attended lots.
• If you park in an attended lot, leave only the ignition/door key.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Never leave your vehicle running, even if you will only be gone for a minute.
• Completely close all vehicle windows when parking.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
• Park with your wheels turned towards the curb to make your vehicle more difficult to tow away.
• If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, backing into your driveway will also make it more difficult for a thief to tow it away.
• Garage your vehicle if you have one and always remember to lock the garage door.
• Do not leave the registration or title in your vehicle.
• Always use your emergency brake when parking, which ensures safety and makes it difficult for a thief to tow your vehicle away.
• Etch your vehicle identification number on car windows and major parts. This procedure makes vehicles and parts more easily traceable when stolen.
• Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period.
• Engrave expensive accessories like car stereos, cellular phones, compact disc changers, external speakers, etc., so that the thief will have difficulty disposing of them.
• Drop business cards, address labels or other documentation inside a vehicle’s doors for identification purposes.
• Replace easily accessible door lock assemblies.
• Install an antitheft device or system on your vehicle as an extra deterrent measure.

Some of these may seem blatantly obvious (like locking your vehicle, for instance), but it never hurts to double-check something as simple as whether the doors are locked or not. About a month ago, I came home from running some errands and walked into the house with my hands full, my intention being to go back and lock up my truck after I set everything down. Long story short, I didn't, and when I got in my truck the next morning, I noticed the backpack I had in the backseat with all my stuff for high school football broadcasts had mysteriously made its way into the front seat. Fortunately, nothing was taken from the truck and no damage was done, but it was a scary reminder to always check and make sure things are locked up.

I will also say this, even if nothing is damaged or stolen, I was told by an Evansville Police officer that you should always file a report. At the very least, it helps the department track any areas of the city that are showing increased criminal activity so officers who patrol those areas can keep a better eye on things.

[Source: Yahoo! Autos]