With a push from social media, Kia and Hyundai occupied over half of the spots in the top ten of vehicles stolen in 2023.
Breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, the two companies had three models each that were among the most stolen last year, according to a new report issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
In the report, NCID noted social media trends highlighted how to steal these vehicles likely played a factor in pushing Kia and Hyundai models to occupy the top three, on the list of the 10 most stolen vehicles.
Continuing Car Theft Trend
NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe noted his association works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies to combat vehicle theft from organized criminal networks and individuals.
“The rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country,” said Glawe is a press statement. “Even as we work to deter crime, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.”
Social Media Fueled
The Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen vehicles, with 48,445 reported, followed by the Sonata at 42,813. In third place was Kia’s Optima with 30,204.
Techniques to steal these cars spread through social media channels the last couple of years as certain Hyundai and Kia models are particularly vulnerable to car thieves.
Vehicles equipped with turn-key ignitions are roughly twice as likely to be stolen as other vehicles of a similar age ads they lack some of the basic auto theft prevention technologies, such as electronic immobilizers, included in most other vehicles even in those years.
Top Ten Stolen Cars
Rounding out the top 10 for thefts were Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (23,721 reported stolen), Kia Soul (21,001), Honda Accord (20,895), Honda Civic (19,858), Kia Forte (16,209), Ford F150 Series Pickup (15,852) and Kia Sportage (15,749).
NICB officials noted more than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34 percent recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen.
This report comes after another NICB trend analysis, which indicated that the U.S. is still experiencing a surge in vehicle theft rates that started at the onset of the pandemic. This past year, the nation saw another increase as vehicle theft claims rose 1 percent from 2022 to 2023.
Tips to Thwart Car Thieves
There are some basic things to do to keep cars from being stolen. First, remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them out of sight. Next, lock the doors, roll the windows all the way up, and don’t leave your keys in the car.
According to NICB data, theft with keys left in cars has been increasing. In 2017, there were 78,345 cars stolen with keys; 82,369 in 2018; and 84,131 stolen in 2019. By the end of 2020 there were 97,769 vehicle stolen with the keys left inside.
