Honda Accord is Most Common Stolen Car in S. Carolina

The 1994 Honda Accord is the most common stolen vehicle in South Carolina.

The Hot Wheels 2009 study - released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau - shows car thefts remain steady in several parts of South Carolina. The vehicle theft rate decreased for the fifth consecutive year.

More than 22,000 vehicles were stolen from major cities in the state. Myrtle Beach had the highest number of thefts and ranks number 15 in the country.

The most commonly stolen vehicles in South Carolina in 2008 were: 

1994 Honda Accord
1997 Ford F150 Pickup
1997 Ford Explorer
1989 Chevrolet Caprice
2007 Dodge Ram Pickup
1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
1997 Ford Taurus
1994 Honda Civic
1997 Ford Ranger
1995 Ford Crown Victoria

The South Carolina Insurance News Service recommends this advice to protect your vehicle:

* Common Sense - Use anti-theft devices that are standard on all vehicles: locks. Lock your car and take your keys. Park in well-lit areas and hide valuable items.

* Warning Device - Use visible or audible warning devices to ensure that your car remains where you left it.

* Immobilizing Device - Use “Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs, and smart keys. Generally speaking, if your car won’t start, it won’t get stolen.

* Tracking Device - If your vehicle is stolen, these systems help law enforcement track and recover it and return it to you. Some systems will even inform you if your vehicle has been moved without your knowledge.