CLASSIC CARS
Planning on taking a road trip south of the border over the summer? You might want to think again, if you drive an Acura Integra – especially a 1999 Integra coupe. It was the most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2004.
It seems American car thieves have a thing for Integras. Five of the 10 most-frequently-stolen models in the U.S. are Integras.
The list – compiled every year by Chicago-based CCC Information Services – also includes the 2002 BMW Roadster, 1991 GMC V2500, 2002 Audi S4 and the 2004 Mercury Marauder.
A company official notes that an upsurge in street racing in the U.S. may be responsible for the appearance of so many fast cars on the list. Another factor that makes Integras attractive to thieves is their parts. Acuras are made by Honda – and their parts can be used in many Honda vehicles. A 2000 Honda Accord LX costs well over $20,000 brand new. But to rebuild it entirely from Honda replacement parts would cost more than three times that amount.
On this side of the border, the picture is a little different. Honda Civics and Accords are very popular among thieves. The Integra rates in the top 10, but is further down the list. Hyundais appear to be more attractive to thieves.
And they don’t have to be new. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), most stolen vehicles in this country are at least eight years old. The theft of new cars has fallen by 50 per cent since 1993, thanks mainly to improved theft deterrent technology.
Police say most of the older cars stolen are taken for parts. Newer cars are either targeted by joy riders or organized criminals looking to resell the vehicle in Canada or overseas.
According to the IBC, vehicle theft costs Canadians $600 million in higher insurance premiums every year.
The bureau has some suggestions on how to reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen. They include:
| Top 10 - Most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada (2002 - 2003 models) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SUBARU | IMPREZA WRX 4DR AWD | |
| 2 | FORD | F350 SUPER DUTY 4WD | |
| 3 | CADILLAC | ESCALADE 4DR 4WD | |
| 4 | HONDA | CIVIC Si 2DR HATCHBACK | |
| 5 | BMW | 325Ci/330Ci 2DR | |
| 6 | HYUNDAI | TIBURON 2DR | |
| 7 | HYUNDAI | ACCENT 2DR | |
| 8 | HYUNDAI | TIBURON GT 2DR | |
| 9 | FORD | F250 SUPER DUTY 4WD | |
| 10 | DODGE | DAKOTA 2WD | |
| Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada | |||
The list – compiled every year by Chicago-based CCC Information Services – also includes the 2002 BMW Roadster, 1991 GMC V2500, 2002 Audi S4 and the 2004 Mercury Marauder.
A company official notes that an upsurge in street racing in the U.S. may be responsible for the appearance of so many fast cars on the list. Another factor that makes Integras attractive to thieves is their parts. Acuras are made by Honda – and their parts can be used in many Honda vehicles. A 2000 Honda Accord LX costs well over $20,000 brand new. But to rebuild it entirely from Honda replacement parts would cost more than three times that amount.
On this side of the border, the picture is a little different. Honda Civics and Accords are very popular among thieves. The Integra rates in the top 10, but is further down the list. Hyundais appear to be more attractive to thieves.
| Most Stolen Vehicles of 2004 in the United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999 Acura | Integra |
| 2 | 2002 BMW | M Roadster |
| 3 | 1998 Acura | Integra |
| 4 | 1991 GMC | V2500 |
| 5 | 2002 Audi | S4 |
| 6 | 1996 Acura | Integra |
| 7 | 1995 Acura | Integra |
| 8 | 2004 Mercury | Marauder |
| 9 | 1997 Acura | Integra |
| 10 | 1992 Mercedes-Benz | 600 |
| Source: CCC Information Services Inc. | ||
Police say most of the older cars stolen are taken for parts. Newer cars are either targeted by joy riders or organized criminals looking to resell the vehicle in Canada or overseas.
According to the IBC, vehicle theft costs Canadians $600 million in higher insurance premiums every year.
The bureau has some suggestions on how to reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen. They include:
- Buy and install an IBC-approved theft deterrent system if your vehicle is not equipped with one from the manufacturer.
- Always lock your vehicle, even if it’s sitting in the driveway and, if possible, put it in a locked garage.
- Never leave the keys inside your vehicle, and know the location of your keys at all times.
- Use good judgment in choosing parking locations.
- When parking at airports and other large pay parking lots, never leave the parking claim check in the vehicle.
- Keep valuables, especially cellular telephones and notebook computers, out of sight.
- If your vehicle is equipped with a security system, make sure it is in good working order. Your owner's manual or dealership should be able to answer any questions about your security system.
- Always activate your security system before going to bed, and consider upgrading exterior home lights.
- Be aware of suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood and report them to police.
- Consider purchasing a vehicle tracking system.
- Factory-installed security systems are sometimes deactivated when remote control starters are installed. If you have a remote starter, or intend to have one installed, ask your installer how it will affect your security system
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