Auto Thefts On The Decline In Michigan
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The number of automobiles being stolen in Michigan is on the decline. According to the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority, auto thefts have decreased by nearly 7 percent between 2010 and 2011.
Automobiles made by General Motors and Chrysler were eight of the 10 most common vehicles stolen in Michigan in 2011.
The statistics were released Tuesday by the MATPA, which awards grants to prevent auto theft and catch thieves. The agency says there were slightly more than 25,000 vehicles stolen in 2011.
Authority spokesman Dan Vartanian said the most of the vehicles stolen are over ten years old, and that's because they are easier to steal than newer cars.
He said, in 2011, the most stolen color was black
"The colors are kind of random, although from year-to-year they're just about the same," Vartanian said. "Summer months are always higher as far as theft rate is concerned. The day of the week is also fairly consistent. Mondays and Tuesdays seem to be the days of the week."
The No. 1 vehicle was the 2000 Dodge Caravan, followed by the 2004 Chevrolet Impala and 1997 Chevrolet full-size pickup.
The 1997 Ford Taurus was No. 4, followed by: 2002 Dodge Intrepid, 2005 full-size Ford pickup, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2011 Chevy Malibu, 2002 Dodge Stratus and 2003 Dodge Ram pickup.
MICHIGAN'S MOST STOLEN (National Insurance Crime Bureau Data)
THIEVES FAVORITE CHOICES
Make/Model Color Month Day of Week
1. 2000 Dodge Caravan 1. Black 1. July 1. Monday
2. 2004 Chevrolet Impala 2. White 2. August 2. Tuesday
3. 1997 Chevrolet Pickup 3. Red 3. June 3. Friday 4. 1997 Ford Taurus 4. Blue 4. May 4. Wednesday
5. 2002 Dodge Intrepid 5. Silver 5. October 5. Thursday
6. 2005 Ford Pickup 6. Green 6. September 6. Saturday
7. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 7. Gray 7. November 7. Sunday
8. 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 8. Maroon 8. April
9. 2002 Dodge Stratus 9. Gold 9. December
10. 2003 Dodge Pickup 10. Tan 10. January
To avoid being a victim of auto theft, the National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends to following:
Never leave keys in the vehicle with the engine running. Don't hide a spare key in the vehicle. Close all windows and lock all doors when leaving your vehicle. Park in a well-lit area and, when at home, keep your vehicle in the garage. Don't leave valuables visible in your car, particularly those items that include information on your identity — thieves can drive off not only with your car, but your identity as well.
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