Guess Which Car is Most Stolen in Virginia?

By Rachel Hatzipanagos

Car thefts are down in Virginia, according to a recent study by the Washington Post.

Virginia reported 9,616 vehicle thefts last year, a decrease from the previous year of 7.49 percent, according to statistics from Virginia State Police.

This is the lowest number of thefts in the last 37 years, according to a compilation of statistics from the state’s Help Eliminate Auto Theft program (H.E.A.T).

The Washington Post cites increased technology in helping to deter thieves from wanting to steal cars.

Indeed, the most popular cars stolen in Virginia are all late 1990s models, according to state police:

1. 1996 Jeep Cherokee
2. 1994 Honda Accord
3. 1994 Dodge Caravan
4. 1999 and 2000 Honda Civic
5. 1998 Ford Taurus

According to the report, June through August are the months where auto theft is most prevalent, accounting for 30 percent of all reported thefts for the year, on average.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau, a nonprofit organization that works to  prevent insurance fraud and vehicle theft, recommends various tactics to help prevent auto theft, including audible alarms and tracking devices.

Read more about theft prevention.