Ten Vehicles Most Often Coveted by Thieves

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The annual Hot Wheels survey from the National Insurance Crime Bureau examines all auto theft data, regardless of whether the targeted cars and trucks were insured. One reason so many older models make the list is that newer ones tend to come with improved anti-theft technology, the bureau says. The group also notes that car thieves have been less busy. It cites preliminary FBI data showing auto thefts declined 3.3% in 2011 to the lowest level since 1967.

Remember the '90s? Car thieves have never forgotten, judging from the fact that a model from that era is the vehicle that's stolen the most often in the U.S. year after year, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

The group's Hot Wheels report for 2012 lists the models that were most frequently reported stolen in data for 2011 submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center.

The newest model in the top 10 is from 2006. The bureau has said certain older vehicles attract thieves because of the value of their parts.

Could the car in your driveway wind up in a chop shop? See if it's among the 10 most-stolen vehicles.

1994 Honda Accord

The '94 Accord has been on a "hot" streak -- it tops the list for the fourth consecutive year.

1998 Honda Civic

The '98 Civic replaces the '95 model, which ranked at or near the top of the list for several years.

2006 Ford full-size pickup truck (any model)

Detroit automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler represent half the vehicles in this year's top 10.

1991 Toyota Camry

The '91 Camry makes its third straight appearance on the list.

2000 Dodge Caravan

This year/model has been one of the 10 most-stolen vehicles since 2008.

1994 Acura Integra

Thieves have been helping the '94 Integra crack the top 10 since 2007.

1999 Chevrolet full-size pickup truck (any model)

Drive this kind of Chevy to the levee, and later it might be gone.

2004 Dodge full-size pickup truck (any model)

Full-size pickups are those with the capacity to carry a half-ton or more.

2002 Ford Explorer

This SUV holds the No. 9 spot for the third year in a row.

1994 Nissan Sentra

So many older models make the list because newer ones tend to come with improved anti-theft technology, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says.

Copyright 2012, Bankrate Inc.