The statistics behind car theft in Texas may surprise you. If you’re living in Texas and want to know how to minimize your risk of car theft we’ve got some facts and statistics handy for you. Learn how to keep your vehicle safe and gain some new knowledge along the way.

Statistics About Vehicle Theft

In 2016, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that 757,850 cars were stolen across the United States (one theft occurring every 44.6 seconds). The cost of these stolen vehicles equals $5.9 Billion. The FBI states that 42% of these cars are never recovered.

Out of all the states, Texas came in at #2 for the most vehicle thefts with nearly 65,000 reported each year from 2013-2016. The vast majority were reported in Texas cities that have over 100,000 residents. Cities of this size include approximately half of all 68 Texas cities. Houston is top of the list as it is a port city.

One out of every ten thefts in Texas from 2013-2015 involved keys left in vehicles. In 2016, there were 170 motor vehicle thefts reported on university and college campuses.

Statistics About the Stolen Cars

There are quite a few interesting facts about the stolen cars themselves. For example, the top five most frequently stolen vehicles in 2016 were the following:

  1. Honda Accord
  2. Honda Civic
  3. Ford Pickup
  4. Chevrolet Pickup
  5. Toyota Camry

The top five fewest brands stolen are:

  1. Audi
  2. BMW
  3. Volvo
  4. Lincoln
  5. Nissan

The top five colors of the most stolen vehicles are:

  1. White
  2. Silver
  3. Brown
  4. Red
  5. Gold

The top five holidays for vehicle thefts are

  1. Halloween
  2. Labor Day
  3. New Year’s Day
  4. Memorial Day
  5. New Year’s Eve.

Older vehicles are usually stolen for their parts (which are not being currently manufactured). The value of a “parted out” car is approximately twice as much as the actual car value. Five of the most popular parts that are stolen from cars include:

  1. Doors
  2. Engines
  3. Transmissions
  4. Airbags
  5. Radios

Cars are also often stolen in order to commit other crimes (drive-by shootings, armed robbery, etc.) so license plates do not link to the criminals.

How to Reduce Your Chance of Getting Your Car Stolen

If these statistics sound scary to you, don’t feel defenseless. Here’s what you can do to prevent being a victim of vehicle theft:

  • Never leave your keys in your car, even for just a minute.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your car.
  • Always lock your car, even at home.
  • Avoid parking in isolated and dark areas that experience little foot or vehicle traffic. This includes unattended parking lots and enclosed parking garages.
  • Ensure you always have enough gas to get to and from your destination.
  • Keep a copy of your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license number in your wallet or purse.
  • Consider installing a vehicle security/tracking device.

If you have been accused of car theft in Texas, an experienced defense lawyer can help you get a fair outcome. Contact Harron Law without delay.