Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Missouri

Why are some vehicles were stolen and others not? Do you ever wonder if your car is more prone to theft than others?

This is useful information to know, especially when you are traveling to another area. You need to know the kind of risk you are taking by owning individual cars and know what you should do to lower that chance.

Also, it’s important to know what you can do to protect the vehicle that you have as well. Knowing the area that you leave your car in helps. But you should also be aware of any factors that may increase the chances of theft of your vehicle including the area in which you leave your vehicle and other factors.

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A Pattern of Car Theft

In this post, we will look at some of the most important factors that make your car a target for theft. Some cars are targeted for theft more than others due to various factors.

– Older Cars

Remember that it is a myth that new vehicles are most often stolen. First of all, new cars are harder to steal than older cars. They have more electronic auto-locking devices and other security measures that keep them from easily being broken into.

While it’s true that many newer cars are stolen, it may surprise you to know that some of the older cars are the most often stolen.

Thieves know that parts for older cars are rarer and harder to find. They can steal an older car more easily, too. Then they can find a market that will take the parts to sell to auto dealers.

– Where You Live

Where you live plays a major factor as well. Certain areas are more prone to theft in general than other places.

Also, the makes, models, and years of frequently stolen vehicles vary from state to state. It helps to know what is going on in your area regarding car theft.

If you are considering moving into a new neighborhood, determine your risk for car theft beforehand. It is well worth the extra effort to do your homework before moving into a city or residential area to see what the area is like.

Safewise.com has a list of the 50 safest cities in Missouri where you can check out the statistics on any Missouri town to help you decide where you want to live.

Also, when looking for a home, you may want to consider whether you want to live in an apartment or a house. An apartment has some advantages in that it allows for greater security and there are more people around. However, there is also a greater possibility for theft among the other residents.

You should check with your real estate agent to find out what kind of risk there is in the areas you are considering moving to before you move.

Auto Theft Laws in Missouri

There are some strict auto theft laws in Missouri. For example, anyone caught stealing a vehicle can be fined up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail, or both.

The judge has the statutory authority to put them in jail for up to seven years. It is considered a Class “C” felony (non-violent crime) unless the car is taken by force.

Additionally, there are some various ways that a car can be taken including by failure to return a rental or planning to skip town without returning a vehicle.

10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Missouri

(Click here for an interactive chart)

Below is a list with descriptions of the most stolen vehicles in the state of Missouri. Use this information to help make decisions on the types of cars you drive as well as other choices that you make regarding your vehicle. Make sure also that you have comprehensive insurance to recover your loss if you have a car theft.

#10 — 2014 Toyota Camry

The 2014 Toyota Camry is a 4-door sedan that comes in a variety of models. One model is the base “L.”

There is also a sporty SE Sport and XLE luxury model that you can choose from. The Toyota Camry is the #10 most often stolen vehicle in Missouri, and there were 236 thefts of this car in Missouri in 2014. This is one of the newer models that was put on the Top 10 Most Stolen Cars List.

#9 — 2015 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu is another newer car that is often stolen in Missouri. It has the latest technology onboard such as the 4G LTE system with OnStar, and it can act as a high-speed wireless connection within your vehicle as you travel.

This is an extra security feature that comes in handy when you come across “dead spots” on the roadways. It offers a comfortable ride and is considered one of the better-looking sedans in its class.

#8 — 2002 Ford Taurus

The 2002 Ford Taurus received a 7.8 out of 10 overall rating for the best 2000-2007 models.

It has a strong V6 engine and averages 18 mpg in the city and 25mpg in the country. The look and general popularity of the Ford Taurus may make it more attractive to potential thieves for its potential resale value. A total of 250 of them were stolen in 2002.

#7 — 1997 Honda Accord

The 1997 Honda Accord had 274 car thefts in Missouri. It is a smaller vehicle with a V4 engine that keeps you on the road in style. It’s simply designed by attractive, and it received an 8.8 out of 10 rating by users on the Kelly Blue Book site.

Since it is an older vehicle, some thieves may steal this car for its parts in the hopes of reselling them or to drive themselves in the hopes of being inconspicuous on the road. There were 274 of them stolen in Missouri during the period the research was done.

#6 — 1998 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

The 1998 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee is a 6-cylinder vehicle which appeals to a large group of people who enjoy outdoor activities.

It gets around 14 mpg in the city but 19 on the highway. Many people purchase this vehicle for its ability to be durable and to outlast some of its more urban counterparts. There have been 289 of this model stolen in Missouri in recent years.

#5 — 2008 Chevrolet Impala

The 2008 Chevrolet Impala is a roomy sedan that is affordable and nice-looking for any purposes that you might have.

It is a popular car with a variety of different kinds of people including families and business people due to its versatility and all-weather front-wheel drive.

It has an overall rating of 8.2 out of 10 by users on the Kelly Blue Book site. There were 369 of them stolen in the state of Missouri.

#4 — 2001 Dodge Pickup (full size)

The 2001 Dodge Pickup is a high-powered full-sized truck with a V8 engine that packs a punch on the highway as well as in more rural conditions.

It comes in a variety of colors and options and has an appeal to many people who need a durable vehicle for those off-the-road tough jobs. With a powerful engine and pulling capability, it is envied by many people.

#3 — 2003 Dodge Caravan

The 2003 Dodge Caravan is a roomy 7-passenger van that accommodates any family adventure or other activity you are engaged in. It features 4-wheel-drive drive train for the difficult weather conditions such as snow and ice that may come up unexpectedly.

It features a V6 engine and is a U.S.-manufactured vehicle. There were 465 of them stolen in Missouri making it the third most popular car among thieves, as well in Missouri.

#2 — 2000 Chevrolet Pickup (full size)

The 2000 Chevrolet Pickup features a strong V8 engine and four-wheel-drive mechanism that will get you anywhere you want to go in a hurry.

In addition to that, it’s one of the most popular Chevy trucks on the market due to its full size and handling capability. It is popular with thieves, as well. Perhaps they like it for the parts. But it would also make a good getaway truck. Thieves stole a total of 783 of them from Missouri alone in the year of this study.

#1 — 2004 Ford Pickup (full size)

The 2004 Ford Pickup is a beauty of a truck. Built for both toughness and beauty, it features a V8 engine and electronic fuel injection that tops some of the best trucks on the market today.

Apparently, car thieves agree. They stole 830 of them in 2004, and it continues to top the list for the most stolen vehicle in Missouri to date.

Steps You Can Take to Avoid Car Theft

Well, now you know which cars are most likely to be stolen. What can you do to lower your chances of having yours stolen if you own one of these models?

• Keep it in a garage and locked up.
• Get an alarm sticker.
• Park in a safe area.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.

These are some of the tips that you can follow to lower your risk of theft. For additional tips, check out this article.

My car was stolen, what now?

When you’ve done all you can to protect your vehicle, there’s still a chance it could be stolen. When that happens, it’s important that you contact police immediately then call your insurance company.

– File a Police Report

The sooner you report it as stolen, the higher your chances of getting it back. To ensure there’s no additional stress for you during this time. Make sure you have this information:

• The license plate number of the vehicle
• Vehicle Identification Number “VIN”
• Proof of ownership (pink slip or registration)
• Your identification (license or other valid ID)

Having proof of ownership is critical to ensure the process is expedited.

– Contact Your Insurance Provider

We all think our car will never be stolen, but before it happens make sure you have the right coverage. If the time comes to contact your insurance provider, but you don’t have the coverage to protect your investment. A bad situation will be made worse.

Comprehensive insurance is the only type of auto insurance that will cover this kind of loss. Contact your insurance agent for details to find out if you have the right coverage.

Regardless, take the time to shop around three to four policies. Enter your zip code below to find car insurance rates that work with your budget!