Autoblog

Infographic: LoJack releases 2011 Auto Theft Report

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Technology

By all accounts, vehicle theft is down to some of the lowest levels in over 25 years. Even so, cars are still getting pilfered every day, and LoJack has gone through the trouble of crafting a detailed infographic displaying some of the more interesting information associated with the 10,251 LoJack-equipped vehicles that were stolen and then recovered last year. The company says that, of all vehicles equipped with the theft recovery system, 92 percent are brought back to their rightful owners. Last year, the most stolen and recovered 2011 model was the ubiquitous 2011 Toyota Camry, while the Honda Accord took the top slot overall.

The oldest model saved from the clutches of thieves in 2011 was a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline, while the priciest of them all was a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG worth $116,825. Not too shabby.

Not surprisingly, California led the list of states with the most stolen and recovered vehicles, with Texas, Florida, New York and New Jersey fleshing out the top five. The full, expanded infographic can be seen below.

Continue reading Infographic: LoJack releases 2011 Auto Theft Report

Infographic: LoJack releases 2011 Auto Theft Report originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video]

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Ford

We'd guess a thief's favorite Ford Mustang is whichever one he happens to be hooning around in - ahead of either illegally selling it, stripping it for parts or falsifying its VIN to pass it off as a legit car. But the 'Stang that's attracted the most attention from this scourge of society is none other than the 2000 Mustang.

While we're not sure what it is about the venerable Ford pony car in that model year that's caused it to rise to the top of the inaugural National Insurance Crime Bureau "Hot Wheels Classics" report on Mustangs, we are finding the study to be compelling reading. Who knew that 411,155 Mustangs have been stolen since 1981? The report is similar to NICB's annual report on the most stolen cars, but focused on just Mustang thefts, with data dating all the way back to 1964. Apparently NICB got the idea to do a Mustang-centric report after being asked for data from MustangEvolution last year.

Even more interesting than the report, however, is that NICB has also posted a six-minute documentary about how it helped reunite a Shelby GT350 with its rightful owner some 25 years after the car had been stolen. While not exactly part of the report, the video is a pretty cool showpiece for the nonprofit group that investigates car theft and insurance fraud.

To read the full press release and check out the NICB's video, click past the jump.

Continue reading Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video]

Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic: Car thievery gets broken down

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Lexus, Volkswagen

The Highway Loss Data Institute has rolled out its latest figures on vehicle theft, and the crew from CarBuzz have taken the time to compile a list of the 10 models most and least likely to be stolen based on the number of claims per 1,000 vehicles. It should come as no surprise to hear that the Cadillac Escalade once again takes the honor of the most stolen of them all, followed quickly by a bevy of full-size pickup trucks, including the Ford F-250 Crew 4x4 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew. In fact, the only two cars to break the top 10 most stolen vehicles are the Chrysler 300 at number six and the Chrysler 300 Hemi at number 10.

Meanwhile, the Audi A6 has managed to rank as the least-stolen vehicle, followed by the Mercury Mariner and the Chevrolet Equinox. Surprisingly enough, the Volkswagen CC, Lexus RX 350 and Mini Cooper Clubman all got a nod as grand theft auto untouchables. Hit the jump for a look at the full infographic.

Continue reading Infographic: Car thievery gets broken down

Infographic: Car thievery gets broken down originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac Escalade still thieves' favorite target

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Cadillac

If you own a Cadillac Escalade, you better keep one eye on it at all times. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), the Escalade is still the apple of a car thief's eye. The large luxury SUV is six times more likely to be plucked away by thieves than average. If you happen to have the truck-like EXT Escalade, you're in even worse shape since 14 out of every 1,000 vehicles insured wind up with a theft claim.

On the flipside, if you're the proud owner of an Audi A6 then you can rest easy. Car thieves aren't hunting for your particular mid-size luxury sedan. Want to know what vehicles round out the top and bottom ten from the perspective of a car thief? Well, at least according to the HLDI. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Interestingly, General Motors decided to respond to the HLDI's findings, and you can find the press release from Cadillac after the break as well.

Continue reading Cadillac Escalade still thieves' favorite target

Cadillac Escalade still thieves' favorite target originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Domestics make gains on unfortunate list... 10 Most Stolen Cars

Zach Bowman — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Domestic automakers have outpaced their import counterparts on the top ten list of most stolen vehicles for the first time since 2002. According to a new report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Ford vehicles took three places on the Most Stolen Vehicles of 2010 list, while two Chevrolet and two Dodge models also made the cut. To be fair, only the 1999 Chevrolet full-size pickup (read: Silverado) and 1997 Ford F-150 broke into the top five - those models landed themselves in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The podium spots go to the 1994 Honda Accord in first, the 1995 Honda Civic in second and the 1991 Toyota Camry in third.

Even though thieves seem to have cultivated a taste for domestic models, vehicle theft on the whole has continued to decline. NICB says that early FBI crime statistics for 2010 indicated a substantial 7.2 percent decrease in stolen vehicles over 2009. Once verified, that will give 2010 the honor of being the year with the fewest stolen vehicles since 1967. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Domestics make gains on unfortunate list... 10 Most Stolen Cars

Domestics make gains on unfortunate list... 10 Most Stolen Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auto theft drops to lowest level since 1967

Zach Bowman — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

Vehicle theft in the U.S. fell by 7.2 percent in 2010. Around 737,404 vehicles were stolen last year, compared to the 794,616 autos pilfered in 2009. That marks the lowest number of stolen vehicles in the U.S. of A. since 1967, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Why the decline? New York City, Detroit, Dallas, Miami and Los Angeles - all previous hot beds for grand theft auto - saw their numbers drop in 2010, and Automotive News reports that new anti-theft technology is going a long way toward curbing the crime.

With several insurance companies offering discounts to customers who install anti-theft systems from LoJack or Ravelco, there's more incentive than ever to protect yourself from car thieves. In addition, the NICB says that cars today are simply more difficult to steal than they were 10 years ago.

Law enforcement has also stepped up its game by using bait vehicles to lure in possible thieves. Officers stake out a vehicle with its windows down and its keys in the ignition and wait for crooks to come by. It's apparently working.

Auto theft drops to lowest level since 1967 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car thieves still love Honda according to LoJack annual report

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology

LoJack says the Honda Accord was the most stolen vehicle of 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Theft prevention and recovery company LoJack knows a lot about stolen vehicles. It also knows a lot about getting those vehicles back. In 2010, the company says that fully 90 percent of vehicles equipped with its car tracking hardware was recovered.

LoJack has been at this game for a while, and last year, it started to release its own Vehicle Theft Recovery Report. The second annual report is hot off the LoJack presses and the data is ... not surprising, if you own a Honda.

In 2010, the most stolen and recovered vehicles were: (last years rank in parenthesis)

10. Chevrolet Tahoe (7)
9. Nissan Maxima (New)
8. Nissan Altima (8)
7. Dodge Ram (New)
6. Toyota Corolla (6)
5. Cadillac Escalade (5)
4. Acura Integra (4)
3. Toyota Camry (3)
2. Honda Civic (1)
1. Honda Accord (2)

LoJack also breaks down its stolen and recovered information by year, make and model. Honda claims all five top positions for 2010. There's more interesting data in LoJack's 2nd Annual Vehicle Theft Recovery Report. You can read all about it by hot-wiring your mouse and clicking past the jump.

Gallery: Lojack's Top Ten Most Stolen Vehicles of 2010

[Source: LoJack]

Continue reading Car thieves still love Honda according to LoJack annual report

Car thieves still love Honda according to LoJack annual report originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: New Year's Day still worst for car thefts

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Christmas day is not just for giving, it's also for not stealing. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, December 25th is the day many thieves take a break from stealing cars. Very kind of them, no? But here's the bad news: those thieves are just postponing their nefarious ways for a week. That's right, New Year's Day is the worst holiday for car thefts.

Here's some raw data: 2,760 vehicles were reported stolen in the United States on January 1st, 2009, and 2,189 were stolen on New Year's Eve. Naturally, this year is expected to pretty much follow suit, though the actual number of stolen vehicles is expected to fall for the seventh straight year.

What can you do to combat the problem? Mostly just exercise some common sense. The NCIB recommends the following: parking in well-lit areas, keeping packages in the trunk or out of sight, and making sure your vehicle is locked while it's parked. Or you could just drive an unstealable car... Check out the complete press release after the break.

[Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau | Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty]

Continue reading PSA: New Year's Day still worst for car thefts

PSA: New Year's Day still worst for car thefts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Police using Twitter to track down stolen cars

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Police in Seattle have turned to social media in an effort to help recover stolen vehicles. By sending out a Tweet that describes the liberated vehicle, authorities are hoping someone in the network of followers will spot it and report the vehicle's location. The Twitter account being used by the SPD goes by the handle @GetYourCarBack and sends out a message listing the year, make, model and license plate of the stolen vehicle.

Every little bit helps and it's always interesting to see how companies or organizations adopt new uses for technology. Besides the usefulness of the feed, it's also quite interesting to see what is getting stolen in the Seattle area. We spy lots of Hondas, but also a few scooters and someones Ford F-350 pickup.

[Source: Social Car News]

Police using Twitter to track down stolen cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top ten stolen vehicles of 2009

Zach Bowman — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

It's that time of year again. The National Insurance Crime Bureau has just released its top 10 stolen vehicles from 2009, and once again, the most stolen vehicle in the U.S. continues to be the 1994 Honda Accord. In fact, all but three vehicles retained the same slots on the list as they held last year. Newcomers include the 1994 Chevrolet full-size pickup at number 7, the 2002 Ford Explorer at number 9 and the 2009 Toyota Corolla at number 10. The '02 Explorer moved up one notch from last year, and both the 1999 Ford Taurus and 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee dropped off of the list all together.

The FBI recently released a study finding vehicle theft in the United States was at its lowest point in nearly 20 years, though recovery rates were similarly lower than ever, too. NCIB says that may be due to the fact that the majority of vehicles stolen today are immediately cut up for parts instead of being resold as whole vehicles. Like the FBI, NICB recommends owners use common sense by locking their vehicles, installing a warning or immobilization device and considering a tracking mechanism. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: NICB Most Stolen Vehicles of 2009

[Source: NCIB]

Continue reading Top ten stolen vehicles of 2009

Top ten stolen vehicles of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FBI reports car thefts at all-time low, but so are recoveries

Zach Bowman — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that car thefts in 2009 were at their lowest level in 20 years. Last year, a total of 794,616 vehicles were stolen from their owners - a 17 percent drop compared to 2008. Without a doubt, those numbers are good news for car owners across the country, but the FBI report isn't all roses and sunshine. The government agency also says that while theft numbers are down, so is the number of vehicles recovered after they're stolen.

Last year, authorities were able to return just 42 percent of all stolen vehicles. That number marks a 25 percent decline compared to 2008. The reason? Law enforcement says that thieves are getting smarter all the time, and that most acts of vehicle theft are perpetrated by professionals who are skilled at their trade. Experts recommend following the usual tricks to make sure you're not a victim, including locking your vehicle, keeping valuables out of sight and parking it well-lit areas to make sure your vehicle doesn't wind up on the short list of those stolen in 2010.

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty]

FBI reports car thefts at all-time low, but so are recoveries originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic: One car stolen every 33 seconds... and other fun grand theft auto facts

John Neff — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

View infographic after the jump

For as many people out there who own a car, there is seemingly an equally large group of people who want to steal them. The funny thing is that car thieves rarely pull a Gone in 60 Seconds and steal expensive, rare autos. Year after year some aging model year of the Honda Accord tops the list as the most frequent car stolen in the U.S., followed by such everyman-mobiles as the Civic, Toyota Camry and Ford F-150. Ubiquity rather than desirability seems to be the common denominator among these top stolen vehicles.

Follow the jump for our latest infographic that explores the facts and figures of stealing cars. And remember not to be one of the 15 percent of people who leave their keys in the ignition.

[Source: Auto Insurance for Autoblog.com]

Continue reading Infographic: One car stolen every 33 seconds... and other fun grand theft auto facts

Infographic: One car stolen every 33 seconds... and other fun grand theft auto facts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: FL classic car dealer cops 18 month plea for selling cars that weren't his

Chris Shunk — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Government/Legal

When buying a classic car from an auto dealer, there is a lot to worry about. Is the vehicle going to be a money pit? Do all the numbers match? Am I getting a fair deal with regards to financing? All fair questions to be sure, but if you dealt with Daniel Lussier of Auto Image Motor Cars you also have to worry about whether or not the car was his to sell in the first place.

Lussier plead guilty to stealing cars and selling them as if they were his, netting Lussier 18 months in prison, 10 years probation and restitution for his victims. That restitution check could be huge, too, as authorities claim Lussier bilked his clients and investors out of $800,000. Felix Yukhtman was one of over a dozen victims who trusted Lussier to sell a vehicle for them. Yukhtman handed over the keys to his 1964 Corvette but after the sale was finalized he said, "We didn't have the money, we didn't have the car, we had no idea we would ever see any money out of this car."

In one particularly inflammatory claim, a classic car owner reportedly said that he brought in his vehicle for a detailing and Lussier sold the vehicle. NBC says that Lussier called those claims untrue. Under the terms of the plea deal, Lessier has to pay tens of thousands of dollars in restitution or risk going back to jail for up to 15 years.

[Source: NBC | Image: Lee County Sheriff's Office]

Report: FL classic car dealer cops 18 month plea for selling cars that weren't his originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lock Those Doors: New Year's Day the worst holiday for stolen cars?

Dan Roth — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

Maybe it's the mass inebriation that makes it easier, but New Year's Eve is apparently hottest holiday for car theft. If the whole world is already sleeping it off, there's no way anybody is going to pay heed to your stupid alarm, perhaps.

As proof, our corporate cousins at AOL Autos breaks down the car theft rates for various holidays, and New Year's bookends the list of eleven days. While New Year's Eve is relatively quiet, New Year's Day is three times as active. The second-most active car theft day? Labor Day - again, another event that tends to involve plenty of imbibing and a good dose of "hey, watch this." With Halloween in third, it would be interesting to see how many of these thefts were mere joyrides, and how many were determined thieves looking for 1994 Honda Accords (the most stolen car last year) to feed the chop shops.

Many cars are easily stolen because of a lack of owner vigilance. Things like leaving your keys inside the car, even if it's just at home, are about the same as a blinking neon sign on the roof saying "steal me." Josh Max works up a good list of Dos and Don'ts - and if you don't want your car stolen this New Year's season, AOL Autos has tips, whatever the reason.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Tuppus - C.C. License 2.0]

Lock Those Doors: New Year's Day the worst holiday for stolen cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Budget, Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

In 1974, this 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (a.k.a. 'Bus') was stolen from Washington State. Fast-forward to October 19 of this year and custom agents at the Port of Los Angeles open up a container bound for Europe only to rediscover said van. Somehow, the Bus's VIN was still in the LAPD's stolen vehicle database. Guess which 1965 Type 2 is no longer headed for Europe?

Here's where it gets a little bit foggy, a little bit weird. According to the Los Angeles Times, the cops and the feds can't find the original owner. And the gentleman that restored the thirteen-window Bus to such pristine condition and who was planning on shipping said Bus back to the fatherland is also a victim of the theft - meaning he's off the hook, but out of money. Because way back in 1974, Allstate ("You're in good hands") Insurance paid the then owner $2,500 for the stolen Volkswagen. Which means that Allstate is winding up with the Bus.

Update: The original owner has been located! Her name is Michelle Squires and yes, she would like her Bus back. The reason that she couldn't be located at first is because her last name used to be Carlson. Says Squires, "I don't know if I could afford it because the restored bus is supposed to be around $25,000 now, but I would like the opportunity to talk to Allstate to see if I could get it back." While we think it would be a stellar PR coup for Allstate, Squires should probably prepare to stay separated from her van.

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Department of Homeland Security]

VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Innovative UK car theft kingpin jailed

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, UK

Recently, a Cadillac once owned by Steve McQueen was caught up in a theft ring in Colorado that stole the car from a rental company, "sold" it to a new owner - one of the theft ring members - and then re-stole it to claim the insurance. They might have got the idea from London's Nokhiaz Khan, a man who ran a theft ring that stole cars from legitimate owners, resold them, and then stole them again - often numerous times.

The five members of the ring, ranging from in age from 22 to 40 years old, would steal a car in a residential burglary or a carjacking, or occasionally buy one from salvage. Then they'd find a vehicle at a used car dealer that matched the stolen one. Khan's crew would then make the stolen car a ringer for the dealer car by creating a service history, inscribing a VIN number, and creating a matching number plate. Once sold to a buyer, they'd wait a few days and then steal it again, find another ringer, and resell it.

They stole 37 cars worth about £340,000 (roughly $520,000 USD) before they were caught, mostly innocuous runners like Honda Civics and Escorts. Recycling their wares up to three times, they made "in the region of £1.2 million," or about $1.8 million Yankee dollars.

For his illicit craftiness, Khan has received 4.5 years in jail at the hands of London's Southwark Crown Court.

[Source: The Telegraph]

Innovative UK car theft kingpin jailed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2008

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal

Drumroll please! The 2008 Top 10 most popular cars among car thieves are... The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute recently released their list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles for 2008, and trucks and SUVs are the biggest target. We wonder if this might reflect some people finding a nefarious way to dispose of their gas-guzzler and collect the insurance money. Hopefully that's not the case, but seriously, if you were a car thief, would you want a land yacht instead of a canyon carver?

For whatever reasons, the most targeted vehicles aren't necessarily the most drool-worthy ones on the road. Thieves tend to go after vehicles that easily blend in with traffic, can be sold for parts or are popular in foreign markets where they can be dumped quickly. Big vehicles also tend to spend more time parked in driveways or on the street rather than in garages, so they're more easily accessible by naydoers. The IIHS looks at insurance-claim reports to determine theft-frequency rates and compile the Most Stolen Vehicle list. The figures are reported in number of claims filed for every 1,000 vehicles insured each year, and this most recent report covers vehicles made and sold between 2005 and 2007.

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Police find "stolen car graveyard" in Washington lake

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Finding a stash of vehicles left to rot can be exciting, like if they're in a barn and they're vintage and would have some high collectible value once fixed up. Finding a stash of cars left to rot at the bottom of a lake, well, that's a downer for everyone. Authorities in Camas, Washington (the state) recently pulled five gutted cars from Lacamas Lake, all of which had been stolen: two Hondas, two Acuras, and a Chevy Tahoe. The lake's water level is low this time of year, which allowed boaters to see the cars underwater. It's the second time the police have had to do salvage duty in the same lake for the same reason, and by their own accounts it is a "stolen car graveyard." If you live in Oregon's greater Vancouver area where the cars were stolen, it could be time to invest in... a snorkel. Thanks for the tip, Thom!

[Source: KPTV]

Police find "stolen car graveyard" in Washington lake originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modesto, CA regains top spot for stolen vehicles in the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

California's Central Valley takes two of the top ten spots, again, in the National Insurance Crime Bureau's listing of the highest per capita vehicle thefts in the U.S. in 2007. Modesto, CA bumped Las Vegas out of the number one spot, dropping Sin City to number two in the national rankings. San Diego slotted in third, followed by Stockton, CA (about 35 miles from Modesto) and for whatever reason, the NICB grouped San Francisco, Oakland and Fremont, CA into one all-encompassing area for the number five position, despite the three cities being spread 60 miles apart. In the NICB's press release after the jump, it provides a few common sense solutions for thwarting a theft, including removing your keys from the ignition and locking your doors. Additionally, they recommend plenty of high-dollar prevention devices ranging from micro-dot marking and starter-locking devices.

Continue reading Modesto, CA regains top spot for stolen vehicles in the U.S.

Modesto, CA regains top spot for stolen vehicles in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BUSTED! Canada's largest chop shop caught with 700 stolen cars

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

For years, gearheads have made some extra coin buying junk cars like Mustangs and Chevelles, taking them apart, then selling their still-working parts on resale sites like eBay. This is also what happens in chop houses around the globe, except instead of buying junkers, they simply steal very valuable vehicles, then remove brake rotors, tires, engines, transmissions, airbags, and anything else that can be sold on the black market. Canadian police found themselves the mother lode of all chop shops, and the sheer volume of cars found on the grounds of the 100,000 sq. ft. location was simply staggering.

The scrap yard, just north of Montreal, was littered with luxury SUVs, Jaguars, Mercedes Benz, and other high-end vehicles that were being hocked for their valuable parts. Some of the cars were brand-new, with zero miles on the odometer, and others were stacked one on top of another. Needless to say, the 39 year-old owner of the shifty operation has been detained, and jail time looks like a foregone conclusion due to the overwhelming amount of evidence.

The Canadian police deserve a ton of credit for uncovering this operation, but we wonder why it took "years" to discover and investigate a scrap yard with 700 new cars and luxury SUVs that looks as if it could have been found by playing with Google Earth. The bottom picture is an aerial photo of the crime scene. Amazing!

Thanks for the tip, Derek!

[Source: ctv.ca.]

BUSTED! Canada's largest chop shop caught with 700 stolen cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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