And the Vehicle Most-Often Stolen in Michigan Is . . .

The Accord topped the list nationally, but none of the top 10 most-often targeted vehicles in the United States, followed by several other mid-sized sedans, as well as a handful of pickup trucks.

In Michigan, thieves most-often were looking for pickup trucks, according to the study.

For 2014, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were (total thefts in parentheses):

1. Honda Accord (51,290)
2. Honda Civic (43,936)
3. Ford pickup (full size) (28,680)
4. Chevrolet pickup (full size) (23,196)
5. Toyota Camry (14,605)
6. Dodge pickup (full size) (11,075)
7. Dodge Caravan (10,483)
8. Nissan Altima (9,109)
9. Accura Integra (6,902)
10. Nissan Maxima (6586)

For 2014, the most stolen vehicles* in Michigan were (total thefts in parentheses):

1. 2007 Chevrolet Pick-Up (Small Size) (916)
2. 2004 Chevrolet Impala (832)
3. 2002 Dodge Caravan (803)
4. 2014 Ford Fusion (730)
5. 2004 GMC Pickup (Full Size) (528)
6. 2014 Ford Taurus (513)
7. 2006 Ford Pickup (Full Size) (510)
8. 2000 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (473)
9. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (460)
10. 2014 Dodge Charger (450)

Michigan’s anti-auto theft initiative H.E.A.T. – Help Eliminate Auto Thefts – lists the following tips on keeping your vehicle and belongings safe, especially during warm weather.

• Close windows tightly when you are not with the vehicle – don’t even leave them “cracked.” Don’t leave your car unlocked when going into stores or using ATM’s.
• Keep your personal belongings, CD’s, cell phones and other valuables out of sight.
• Close and lock convertible tops.
• Protect your vehicle from being started by a thief by having a mechanic install a kill-switch in a concealed place in your vehicle.
• Add a second layer of protection to your vehicle by using a steering wheel locking device, a steering column protector or an alarm with a visible flasher.
• Consider etching your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) onto the glass surfaces of your vehicle. VIN etching makes vehicles less attractive to thieves because all windows must be replaced before the vehicle can be tagged with a fake VIN and resold.
• If you know anything about auto theft, report it to your local police department and HEAT’s confidential tip-reward line, 1-800-242-HEAT.