Top Ten Stolen Vehicles in Denver Metro Area & Tips to Keep Your Car in Your Possession
CATPA METROPOLITAN AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE
*For Public Release*
TOP TEN STOLEN VEHICLES
IN THE DENVER METRO AREA
JANUARY 1—MARCH 1, 2018
| RANK | VEHICLE
MAKE/MODEL |
# OF
THEFTS |
YEARS OF
MAKE/MODEL THEFTS |
| 1 | Honda Civic | 145 | 1990-2017 |
| 2 | Honda Accord | 121 | 1990-2014 |
| 3 | Ford F-250 | 76 | 1993-2011 |
| 4 | Dodge Ram | 51 | 1995-2017 |
| 5 | Chevrolet Silverado | 50 | 1999-2018 |
| 6 | Ford F-350 | 47 | 1997-2017 |
| 7 | Subaru Impreza | 45 | 1997-2017 |
| 8 | Toyota Camry | 39 | 1991-2018 |
| 9 | Ford F-150 | 38 | 1989-2018 |
| 10 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 35 | 1993-2015 |
CMATT PIO Kassie Borth * 445 S Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226 * Phone 303 987 4900 * Fax: 303 987-4909
*Data pulled 3/21/18 from the ATICC Database
AUTO THEFT PREVENTION TIPS
*For Public Release*
CATPA METROPOLITAN AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE
The Denver Metropolitan Area experiences a large number of vehicles being stolen every day. An estimated 40% of motor vehicle theft is preventable. Vehicle owners can take the following precautions and consider the recommendations to assist in preventing themselves from becoming victimized:
- Never leave a vehicle running unattended with the keys in the ignition, known as “puffing,” no matter the length of time. While this may seem like a convenient way to avoid getting into a cold car, it ultimately makes the vehicle susceptible to being quickly stolen by an auto thief.
- Always lock vehicles and never leave keys in the vehicles, to include a valet key, a hide-a-key, or a key to another vehicle. Auto thieves often know where these keys are located in the vehicle, even when seemingly hidden in an unusual place. Additionally, remember to roll up windows and close sunroofs before exiting the vehicle.
- Do not leave valuable items or personal identifying documents in plain sight in a vehicle. Purses, backpacks, wallets, electronics, and other items should always be taken out of the car when it is unattended at all times. Leaving valuables in plain sight makes a vehicle more attractive to a thief in comparison to a vehicle that has nothing of value in it.
- When possible, park vehicles in a secured area, such as a personal garage or controlled-access parking lot or structure. When at all possible, try to avoid street parking for a long amount of time and make an effort to park in well-lit areas. If parking a motorcycle, try to block it in with another vehicle and use locks for extra security.
- Purchase security devices such as steering wheel clubs that can be easily placed on a vehicle’s steering wheel as a deterrent.
- Install GPS tracking devices in your vehicle that can help locate your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
- Do not keep the vehicle title inside the vehicle; make sure that it is kept in a safe place elsewhere. Keeping a copy of the vehicle’s registration, or at least having the VIN and basic vehicle information written down or on your phone, is also beneficial if a vehicle is stolen. This information is needed by both law enforcement and the insurance companies when a theft occurs.
Additional resources on auto theft prevention are available online through Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT) at lockdownyourcar.org