Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Car thieves avoiding Toyota Prius]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/car-thieves-avoiding-toyota-prius/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/car-thieves-avoiding-toyota-prius/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/car-thieves-avoiding-toyota-prius/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Toyota Prius

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has taken a closer look at how often car thieves target the Toyota Prius. As it turns out, the most popular hybrid on US roads has a very low theft rate, and when it does get stolen, law enforcement are quick to return the machine to its rightful owners. All told, 2008-2012 Prius models saw a theft rate of one in 606 vehicles compared to one in 78 for all models on the road from the same model year period. Just 2,439 Prius hybrids were stolen in the US between September 4, 2000 and June 30, 2012.

Not surprisingly, California holds the dubious honor of taking the lion's share of those thefts, with 1,062. Florida took second place with 127, followed by New York, Washington and Texas. Toyota has sold 1.2 million Prius models in the US, which means the vehicle constitutes more than half of all hybrid vehicles on the road today. You can take a look at the full NICB press release below for more information.

Continue reading Car thieves avoiding Toyota Prius

Car thieves avoiding Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autonational insurance crime bureaunicbpriusthefttoyotavehicle theftWed, 21 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385818/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/car-thieves-avoiding-toyota-prius/20385818/article-detail.xml 20385818 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2011-toyota-prius-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2011-toyota-prius-628.jpg <![CDATA[Thieves stealing Porsche headlamps for marijuana grow lights]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/thieves-stealing-porsche-headlamps-for-marijuana-grow-lights/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/thieves-stealing-porsche-headlamps-for-marijuana-grow-lights/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/thieves-stealing-porsche-headlamps-for-marijuana-grow-lights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Well this is something you don't see every day. Thieves in Amsterdam have been preying upon unsuspecting Porsche models recently. That may not be unusual in and of itself, but the burglars are not attempting to make off with the entire car. Rather, they are stealing only the HID headlights. But what's most interesting is the purpose behind snatching just the headlamp assemblies.

It is believed that the headlights make for ideal lighting solutions when growing marijuana indoors. The high-intensity discharge bulbs give off more heat and require much less power than standard grow lamps, yet, critically, they offer the right quality of light and heat. According to De Telegraaf, as many as 20 Porsches fell victim to this trend, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. The cost of a typical HID assembly for hydroponics can run from $100 to $500, and up.

This is apparently the latest hot-button item to be stolen from luxury cars, following navigation systems and airbags. Scroll down to check out the video of a thief making short work of Panamera peepers.

Continue reading Thieves stealing Porsche headlamps for marijuana grow lights

Thieves stealing Porsche headlamps for marijuana grow lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amsterdamcrimede telegraafheat lampshid headlightshydroponicmarijuanapanameraporschepotpot growingstolen headlightstheftweedFri, 02 Nov 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367942/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/02/thieves-stealing-porsche-headlamps-for-marijuana-grow-lights/20367942/article-detail.xml 20367942 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/porsche-hid-theft-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/porsche-hid-theft-628.jpg <![CDATA[Romanian criminals attempt to loot a moving truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/romanian-criminals-attempt-to-loot-a-moving-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/romanian-criminals-attempt-to-loot-a-moving-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/romanian-criminals-attempt-to-loot-a-moving-truck/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Romanian moving truck theft attempt

With money having transitioned from cold hard cash to ones and zeros on a computer screen, stealing someone's personal property has also gone from the romantically dangerous act of train robbing to the Hot Pocket-consuming act of electronic bank hacking. We miss the good old days when miscreants gathered up a posse, left town at a gallop and met the 3:10 to Yuma for a little robbery on rails. Fortunately, there are still some Romanian criminals out there who share our nostalgia.

In the grainy video below you'll see a group of Romanians in an SUV approach a cargo truck from behind under cover of night. Two of the men climb out of the sunroof, with one of them sliding down on the hood and the other hanging back to make sure the first doesn't fall. The man on the hood then manages to open the truck's cargo doors, get a good look inside and, apparently discovering the contents aren't worth the trouble, closes the doors and climbs back in the SUV.

The video was reportedly shot by Romania's Department for Organized Crime and Terrorism, and news agencies are reporting that the gang responsible has already been arrested for stealing items like TVs and cigarettes that were later sold in Bucharest.

Continue reading Romanian criminals attempt to loot a moving truck

Romanian criminals attempt to loot a moving truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bucharestmoving truckorganized crimerobrobbingromaniaromanian criminalsstealtheftvideoThu, 14 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/romanian-criminals-attempt-to-loot-a-moving-truck/20258454/article-detail.xml 20258454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/romanian-truck-robber_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/romanian-truck-robber.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: LoJack releases 2011 Auto Theft Report]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/infographic-lojack-releases-2011-auto-theft-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/infographic-lojack-releases-2011-auto-theft-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/infographic-lojack-releases-2011-auto-theft-report/#commentsFiled under: , ,

LoJack Infographic

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car theftinfographiclojacklojack infographicstolen carstolen carstheftvehicle theftThu, 15 Mar 2012 16:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192145/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/15/infographic-lojack-releases-2011-auto-theft-report/20192145/article-detail.xml 20192145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lojack-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lojack-628.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Police give up on car theft, ban street parking to curb break-ins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/detroit-police-give-up-on-car-theft-ban-street-parking-to-curb/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/detroit-police-give-up-on-car-theft-ban-street-parking-to-curb/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/detroit-police-give-up-on-car-theft-ban-street-parking-to-curb/#commentsFiled under:



Full disclosure: Two of my friends had their cars broken into in downtown Detroit last week. These incidents happened within days of each other along the same city block in the entertainment district behind Detroit's Fillmore and Fox theaters - the exact area that this story references.

Detroit is often painted in a bad light when it comes to things like public safety, and while I - a proud Detroit resident - will gladly shout praise for The D any day of the week, the truth is, it's not just my friends who have been wronged. A rash of break-ins have been reported in this area of Detroit over the past couple of weeks.

So, how are the Detroit Police responding to this issue? Prohibiting street parking.

The Detroit Free Press reports that curbside parking will be prohibited in a small section of downtown Detroit just west of Woodward Avenue. Additional squad cars will be patrolling the area to not only enforce this new parking ban, but to keep a closer watch on the area in an effort to prevent larcenies.

This new initiative was started last Thursday, and according to local news site MLive.com, establishments along Park Avenue have already witnessed large amounts of cars being towed, even though no signage has been installed to inform drivers that street parking is not allowed. Thankfully, MLive also reports that these towing fees will be refunded. To help encourage this program, Detroit company Olympia Entertainment will reportedly reduce the rates on its pay-to-park lots in and around downtown.

As of this writing, it's unclear how long the ban on street parking will be in effect. The 2012 Detroit Auto Show is currently bringing lots of people (and their cars) into the city, which could contribute to this increase of break-ins. (Remember when a BMW-owned 7 Series was stolen during the 2011 Detroit show?) In the meantime, police are advising drivers to park in well-lit or secure parking lots.

Detroit Police give up on car theft, ban street parking to curb break-ins originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>break-insdetroitdetroit policelarcenypolicestreet parkingtheftMon, 16 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/16/detroit-police-give-up-on-car-theft-ban-street-parking-to-curb/20149573/article-detail.xml 20149573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/was3836342_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/was3836342.jpg <![CDATA[Resourceful thief lifts Jeep from dealer using crane]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/resourceful-thief-lifts-jeep-from-dealer-using-crane/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/resourceful-thief-lifts-jeep-from-dealer-using-crane/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/resourceful-thief-lifts-jeep-from-dealer-using-crane/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Security camera screen capture

A car thief in La Porte, Indiana recently put his own spin on the old smash-and-grab routine. The enterprising individual drove a flatbed truck that would typically be used for logging onto a car lot after hours on Sunday, October 16. Our man hopped out and used a giant crane to hook a 2008 Jeep Wrangler through the roof and drop it onto the bed. The whole operation took less than six minutes, though the crime's brevity didn't stop police from tracking down a suspect fairly quickly. Officials arrested a suspect in connection with the theft on Wednesday, October 19.

The Wrangler had a snow plow attached, and Matt Magnuson, general manager at La Porte Chrysler, said that the vehicle had sold that Saturday for $25,000. Magnuson also said that in all of his years selling vehicles, he had never seen anything quite like the stunt pulled off on his lot. Hit the jump to check out the video of the theft for yourself.

Continue reading Resourceful thief lifts Jeep from dealer using crane

Resourceful thief lifts Jeep from dealer using crane originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car theftcar thiefcranegrand theft autola porte chryslertheftthieftruckThu, 20 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20086399/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/20/resourceful-thief-lifts-jeep-from-dealer-using-crane/20086399/article-detail.xml 20086399 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/la-porte-chrysler-theft_thumbnail.gif http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/la-porte-chrysler-theft.gif <![CDATA[Massachusetts police take heat for locking unlocked cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/15/massachusetts-police-take-heat-for-locking-unlocked-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/15/massachusetts-police-take-heat-for-locking-unlocked-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/15/massachusetts-police-take-heat-for-locking-unlocked-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

Car door lock

There's nothing worse than a bored law enforcement officer, as a few Beverly, Massachusetts residents learned firsthand when the local police went around checking vehicles for unlocked doors and open windows. Owners received warnings for failing to protect their property and officers proceeded to lock every door they could, including vehicles with their keys still inside.

Petty thieves had been swiping iPods, GPS devices and prescription drugs from unlocked vehicles, and the police felt that a few hard lessons would change residents' perceptions on securing their belongings.

Now, we understand that being careless about leaving windows down and doors unlocked makes your car easy prey when thieves start prowling. That said, we have trouble believing that police officers' time couldn't have been better spent, say, searching for offenders instead of trying door handles and punishing otherwise innocent vehicle owners all day. But that's just us.

Massachusetts police take heat for locking unlocked cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonlaw enforcementlocked carpolicethefttheivesSat, 15 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20082045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/15/massachusetts-police-take-heat-for-locking-unlocked-cars/20082045/article-detail.xml 20082045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/dicedoorlockjimclark_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/dicedoorlockjimclark.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: NHTSA helps you crack down on auto theft]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/infographic-nhtsa-helps-you-crack-down-on-auto-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/infographic-nhtsa-helps-you-crack-down-on-auto-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/infographic-nhtsa-helps-you-crack-down-on-auto-theft/#commentsFiled under: ,

nhtsa infographic car theftWhat a terrible feeling. You walk outside, ready to head out to work or maybe to a friend's house, and your vehicle is gone. Auto theft is a $6.4-billion-per-year problem. In fact, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration built a handy infographic to illustrate just how big of a problem vehicle theft has become.

For example, in the time it took you to read this far, one vehicle has been stolen - statistics show that one motor vehicle is stolen in the U.S. every 33 seconds. By the time you've finished this post, there is a good chance two or three vehicles will have been lifted. And if you've already been relieved of the ownership of your vehicle, there is only a 57-percent chance of getting it back.

The likelihood of getting your vehicle stolen varies depending upon the state you live in. NHTSA tells us that California has the highest auto theft rates, followed by Florida, Texas, Illinois and Georgia. And if you live in Laredo, Texas, we'd suggest getting a club, and a lojack.... maybe throw in a pit bull to stand guard. After all, this Lone Star town has the highest auto theft rate in the nation. And we thought Laredo was best known for its authentic Tex-Mex...

While auto thefts are a huge problem, NHTSA points out that nearly half of all thefts occur because of mistakes like leaving the keys in the ignition or leaving the doors unlocked. Click on the image to the right to enlarge and take a closer look at some very sobering motor vehicle theft statistics.

Infographic: NHTSA helps you crack down on auto theft originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacar thiefinfographiclaredo texasmotor vehicles stolennational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaone theft every 33 secondstheftThu, 30 Jun 2011 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/infographic-nhtsa-helps-you-crack-down-on-auto-theft/19979864/article-detail.xml 19979864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motor-vehicle-theft-infographic-1309401744_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motor-vehicle-theft-infographic-1309401744.jpg <![CDATA[Guy Fieri's Lamborghini stolen from dealer by rappelling thief?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/rapelling-thief-reportedly-boosts-celebrity-chefs-lamborghini/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/rapelling-thief-reportedly-boosts-celebrity-chefs-lamborghini/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/rapelling-thief-reportedly-boosts-celebrity-chefs-lamborghini/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guy Fieri

What seems more plausible: that a thief dropped down from a dealership's roof, Mission Impossible-style, to boost a Lamborghini? Or that the car in question belonged to a chef? In an alternate reality where the world actually makes sense, the answer would ostensibly be "neither," but we're talking about California here.

The yellow 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo in question didn't belong to any random short-order cook, but to celebrity chef Guy Fieri (above), host of such TV shows as Minute to Win It and the long-running Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Fieri's car was back at the exotic car dealership on San Francisco's Van Ness Avenue overnight when a thief climbed onto the roof of the building, rigged up his gear, rappelled down into the showroom, busted the lock on the garage door and made off (presumably at a rather rapid pace) in Fieri's Gallardo.

Local police figure it wouldn't be easy for the thief to offload the exotic supercar, but from our read of the story, we'd bet that such a prepared thief already had a buyer lined up. And while it may be difficult to sell a stolen rare car locally, if he or she could get it to the docks, it could already be in another country by now. Top tip, Tony!

[Source: San Francisco Chronicle | Image: Jay West/Getty]

Guy Fieri's Lamborghini stolen from dealer by rappelling thief? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car theftcelebritycelebrity chefgrand theft autoguy fierilamborghinistolen lamborghinitheftWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19873454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/09/rapelling-thief-reportedly-boosts-celebrity-chefs-lamborghini/19873454/article-detail.xml 19873454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gyi0063318433_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gyi0063318433.jpg <![CDATA[Police using Twitter to track down stolen cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/09/police-using-twitter-to-track-down-stolen-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/09/police-using-twitter-to-track-down-stolen-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/09/police-using-twitter-to-track-down-stolen-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

Police using Twitter

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>getyourcarbackpoliceseattleseattle police departmentsocial mediaspdstolenstolen carsstolen vehiclesthefttweettwitterThu, 09 Dec 2010 16:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19753789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/09/police-using-twitter-to-track-down-stolen-cars/19753789/article-detail.xml 19753789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/twitter-police_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/twitter-police.jpg <![CDATA[BMW reportedly catches ring of workers stealing up to $4 million in parts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/bmw-reportedly-catches-ring-of-workers-stealing-up-to-4-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/bmw-reportedly-catches-ring-of-workers-stealing-up-to-4-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/bmw-reportedly-catches-ring-of-workers-stealing-up-to-4-million/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW Badge

According to reports, a ring of 18 workers at BMW's plant in Munich have been stealing from the German automaker for years. It seems the individuals would stop the lines for fake quality control checks and make off with the goods to be sold on the open market. The most lucrative business reportedly centered around reselling seats through internet auctions.

BMW's own internal investigators discovered the thievery - but not until €3 million in goods ($4 million) was stolen - and reported the matter to local authorities. At least three ex-employees are currently in custody. Thanks for the tip, Gregg!

[Source: The Local | Photo: Drew Phillips/AOL]

BMW reportedly catches ring of workers stealing up to $4 million in parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw theftmunichtheftMon, 29 Nov 2010 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19736515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/29/bmw-reportedly-catches-ring-of-workers-stealing-up-to-4-million/19736515/article-detail.xml 19736515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/bmw-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/bmw-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Why the Cadillac Escalade is a particularly easy target for thieves]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/16/video-why-the-cadillac-escalade-is-a-particularly-easy-target-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/16/video-why-the-cadillac-escalade-is-a-particularly-easy-target-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/16/video-why-the-cadillac-escalade-is-a-particularly-easy-target-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

stolen Cadillac Escalade
Stolen Cadillac Escalade - Click above to watch the video after the break

Sadly, it's simply not possible to build an automobile that's impossible to steal. But what we all hope for is that an automaker does all it can to make the unscrupulous thief's job as difficult as possible. According to a report from WXYZ Action News in Detroit, General Motors full-size SUVs aren't particularly hard to grab. In fact, the Cadillac Escalade is the insurance industry's most hated vehicle with $146 in theft loss payments per insured vehicle, per year. On average, insurance companies pay out around $11,934 per theft claim when it comes to the Escalade with 10.8 of the SUVs stolen per 1,000 vehicles.

Gone in 60 14 seconds, says the news station, citing a security flaw in the design of the vehicles' steering column (sounds familiar, no?). Specifically, it seems that the little locking metal pin that is supposed to keep the aforementioned Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon locked firmly in 'park' (which is supposed to be a safety feature, not necessarily a theft deterrent) is rather easy to defeat by giving the column-mounted shift stalk a hard yank down.

Also cited as a contributing factor is the lack of a steering wheel lock that inhibits directional movement of the vehicle when not running. It seems that GM decided to leave off this well-known feature for a period after the introduction of ignition keys with computer chips that make it difficult to start the machines without the properly coded chip.

Combine these flaws and you end up with a vehicle that isn't all that difficult to steal. Here's the process outlined in the video after the break: Smash the driver-side window (which apparently doesn't set off an alarm) and force the column-mounted shift lever into 'neutral.' Step two requires some help: Have a buddy with a mutually lax sense of right and wrong push you and your confiscated SUV to a deserted area and strip it of all its pricey bits and pieces. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy, assuming you don't have a bothersome conscience.

According to a spokesperson for Cadillac, The General is aware of these issues and has introduced laminated glass for the side windows along with a beefed-up locking pin for the shift lever. Also, these full-size SUVs were re-equipped with locking steering wheels to make them more difficult to push without the proper ignition key. In any case, we'd suggest you keep a close eye on your blinged-out sport 'ute... and get used to paying higher-than-average insurance premiums.

Click past the break to watch a video of the full report.

[Source: WXYZ Action News]

Continue reading Video: Why the Cadillac Escalade is a particularly easy target for thieves

Video: Why the Cadillac Escalade is a particularly easy target for thieves originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillacCadillac Escaladecadillac escalade theftchevroletchevrolet tahoechevychevy tahoeescaladegeneral motorsgmGMC Yukongmc yukon denalithefttheftsTue, 16 Nov 2010 19:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19720283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/16/video-why-the-cadillac-escalade-is-a-particularly-easy-target-f/19720283/article-detail.xml 19720283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/stolen-escalade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/stolen-escalade.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Philly suburb ponders fining people who don't lock their cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/video-philly-suburb-ponders-fining-people-who-dont-lock-their/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/video-philly-suburb-ponders-fining-people-who-dont-lock-their/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/video-philly-suburb-ponders-fining-people-who-dont-lock-their/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Locked Door screencap
Upper Moreland Township moves to make unlocked cars illegal - Click above to watch video after the jump

A suburb of Philadelphia is looking into making it a criminal offense to leave your vehicle unlocked. According to NBC Philadelphia, Upper Moreland Township wants to curb a recent rash of personal property thefts from unlocked vehicles by setting up a system of warnings and citations for those that forget to secure their car or truck on the street. Vehicles parked on personal property wouldn't be subject to the ordinance, but the proposal would have police do spot checks in neighborhoods. Owners of unlocked vehicle would be given a warning by the police on first offense, and if the same vehicle was found to be unlocked within a year, the owner could expect a $25 fine and a citation.

So why are local lawmakers targeting vehicle owners instead of the criminals breaking laws that are already in place? NBC Philadelphia reports that Police Chief Thomas Nestel says that each year, more than 75 percent of thefts are from unlocked vehicles, which in turn means a lot more man hours and paperwork for the authorities than might otherwise be necessary. Meanwhile, local residents are having predictably mixed reactions to the idea of being fined for failing to lock their vehicles. Hit the jump to see the local news spot on the issue, and then weigh in with your own thoughts in Comments.

[Source: NBC Philadelphia]

Continue reading Video: Philly suburb ponders fining people who don't lock their cars

Video: Philly suburb ponders fining people who don't lock their cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>locked carsLocked DoorLocked DoorsPhiladelphiaTheftThomas Nestelunlocked carsUpper Moreland TownshipThu, 14 Oct 2010 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19672575/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/14/video-philly-suburb-ponders-fining-people-who-dont-lock-their/19672575/article-detail.xml 19672575 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/locked-doors_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/locked-doors.jpg <![CDATA[PSA: If you're a car thief, you'd best know your diesel from your gasoline]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/psa-if-youre-a-car-thief-youd-best-know-your-diesel-from-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/psa-if-youre-a-car-thief-youd-best-know-your-diesel-from-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/psa-if-youre-a-car-thief-youd-best-know-your-diesel-from-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

When stealing a vehicle, we imagine the last thing on a thief's mind is thinking is about type of fuel their "new" car requires. However, that's something Daniel Boxall should have considered after acquiring a new set of wheels through less than legal means.

Boxall decided he needed a new whip, so after picking the pocket of Caroline Lyons, he quickly made off with her Audi A4. Nary a Bobby in sight, he decided to pick up his friend Richard Lloyd and go for a spin. Soon thereafter, the pair started to run low on fuel and headed towards the nearest petrol station.

Daniel Boxall proceeded to fill his illicit Audi with regular gasoline - despite the fact that the gas cap had a big 'D' on it. After leaving the station, the two thought their joy-riding session was about to hit full swing. Unfortunately, TDI-equipped Audis don't like chugging gasoline and the car sputtered to a halt just a few hundred yards down the road. The two attempted to sell the car for £100 to a passer-by stopping to help. He declined and became suspicious of the pair, even though they claimed they would have a Porsche by the following day. It's a natural tactic for the logically-thinking impaired... to make outlandish and suspicious boasts of high-end sportscar "purchases" when your £100 £13,000 Audi A4 diesel is broken down on the side of the road.

Despite later claims to law enforcement that they were forced to drive the car by a "black drug dealer," CCTV captured the action and the two were sentenced. Boxall received a 12-month suspended sentence and loss of his license for a year while Lloyd got a 180-day stay in prison, 18-month suspension and 12-month driving ban.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Telegraph]

PSA: If you're a car thief, you'd best know your diesel from your gasoline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiAudi A4audi a4 tdicarjackingdieselGasolineTDItheftthiefsunited kingdomFri, 17 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19633985/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/17/psa-if-youre-a-car-thief-youd-best-know-your-diesel-from-you/19633985/article-detail.xml 19633985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/a3tdireview_01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/a3tdireview_01.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: The Unstealable Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/09/infographic-the-unstealable-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/09/infographic-the-unstealable-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/09/infographic-the-unstealable-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Unstealable Car infographic
What a theft-proof car requires - Click above to view the image after the jump

According to HomeSecurity.net, one million vehicles (worth a total of $7.5 billion) were stolen in the United States last year. If you don't want to join a top ten list of vehicles dominated by Honda and Toyota, there are seven key technologies you'd install to create "The Ultimate Theft-Proof Car." No, one of them isn't The Club.

Leading the way is a radio-frequency transmitter, which is alone responsible for 90 percent of theft recoveries. Following that are a secure identification device like a fingerprint reader, some sort of GPS tracking system, SIM-card operated GSM communications that allow the car to call its owner when broken into, an interior motion detector, keyless entry and a passive immobilizer. Or you could just get an Abrams M1 tank - we hear they're pretty hard to lift. Follow the jump for the complete infographic.

[Source: HomeSecurity.net]

Continue reading Infographic: The Unstealable Car

Infographic: The Unstealable Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsgsminfographicinfographicskeyless entryprotectionrfidstolenstolen carthefttheft protectiontheft recoveryThu, 09 Sep 2010 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19626056/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/09/infographic-the-unstealable-car/19626056/article-detail.xml 19626056 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/theft-proofcar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/theft-proofcar.jpg <![CDATA[Lock Those Doors: New Year's Day the worst holiday for stolen cars?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/31/lock-those-doors-new-years-day-the-worst-holiday-for-stolen-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/31/lock-those-doors-new-years-day-the-worst-holiday-for-stolen-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/31/lock-those-doors-new-years-day-the-worst-holiday-for-stolen-ca/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autosAolAutosauto securityauto theftAutoSecurityAutoTheftcar securitycar theftcar thiefcar thievesCarSecurityCarTheftCarThiefCarThievesnew yearsNewYearssecurity systemsSecuritySystemsstolen carstolen carsStolenCarStolenCarsstop car thievesstop theftStopCarThievesStopThefttheftThu, 31 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19299445/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/31/lock-those-doors-new-years-day-the-worst-holiday-for-stolen-ca/19299445/article-detail.xml 19299445 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/aston-security-system-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/aston-security-system-630.jpg <![CDATA[VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/vw-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-returned-in-mint-condition-to-alls/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/vw-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-returned-in-mint-condition-to-alls/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/vw-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-returned-in-mint-condition-to-alls/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Allstateauto insuranceAutoInsuranceBuscar insuranceCarInsuranceDepartment of Homeland SecurityDepartmentOfHomelandSecurityhomeland securityHomelandSecurityinsuranceStolen CarStolen CarsStolenCarStolenCarsTheftThirteen-Window BusThirteen-windowBusvolkswagenVolkswagen busVolkswagen Station WagonVolkswagen Type 2VolkswagenBusVolkswagenStationWagonVolkswagenType2VWVW BusVwBusMon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19229482/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/09/vw-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-returned-in-mint-condition-to-alls/19229482/article-detail.xml 19229482 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/13window_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/13window.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Omaha Toyota dealer employee accused of selling $282,000 in parts on eBay]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-omaha-toyota-dealer-employee-accused-of-selling-282-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-omaha-toyota-dealer-employee-accused-of-selling-282-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-omaha-toyota-dealer-employee-accused-of-selling-282-000/#commentsFiled under: ,



James Norwood was hired on at Old Mill Toyota in Omaha, Nebraska in 2000, eventually working his way up to parts and service director. At the same time, Norwood reportedly sold over $548,000 in goods as a hard-working eBay business owner, praised by customers for being dedicated and a fast shipper. Norwood sounds a lot like a man living the American dream, except prosecutors in Omaha allege that the entrepreneur has been stealing parts from his day job to sell on eBay.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that Norwood has officially been charged with theft, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Old Mill Toyota became suspicious of Norwood's actions when a co-worker allegedly witnessed him creating fictitious parts tickets using other employees' names and then later canceling them so the body shops weren't charged. Prosecutors also claim that Norwood would help his co-workers unload the parts truck, creating a separate pile of items that were intended for auction.

Authorities later seized Norwood's home and work computers and discovered the former parts and service director's blossoming eBay business. Among the stolen items Norwood's allegedly sold online were 798 bed extenders, 375 skid plates and 363 roof racks; parts that fetched $226,000. While authorities say Norwood's eNay operation netted $548,000 in sales since 2000, it appears he is only being charged with the theft of $282,500 in merchandise reportedly stolen from Old Mill Toyota after he became the dealership's parts and service director. Hat tip to Bob M

[Source: Omaha.com | Image: Old Mill Toyota]

REPORT: Omaha Toyota dealer employee accused of selling $282,000 in parts on eBay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>old mill toyotaOldMillToyotaparts theftPartsTheftthefttoyotaSat, 31 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19217167/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/31/report-omaha-toyota-dealer-employee-accused-of-selling-282-000/19217167/article-detail.xml 19217167 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/old-mill-toyota-tacoma_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/old-mill-toyota-tacoma.jpg <![CDATA[Irony Police: U.K. authorities reportedly resorting to 'theft' to discourage stealing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/irony-police-u-k-authorities-reportedly-resorting-to-theft-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/irony-police-u-k-authorities-reportedly-resorting-to-theft-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/irony-police-u-k-authorities-reportedly-resorting-to-theft-t/#commentsFiled under: ,



England is a very strange place. Not only do they like having a royal family, but they talk like this: "Oi. Buncha southy Londoners are suddenly stroppy over the constable's wonky plan to nick exposed swag from their unlocked cars. Kind of a bollocks plan, innit?" Naturally the coppers are chuffed about the whole thing, claiming they're just teaching gadges that couldn't be arsed to lock their cars a lesson.

In other words, in an area of South London called Richmond, police have taken to opening unlocked cars and removing valuable items like laptops and cells phones. They think they are doing nothing wrong and teaching careless people a lesson. Of course, because of British common law they apparently aren't doing anything wrong at all. Said police supervisor Jim Davis, "Technically we are entering the vehicle but we are not committing a crime. It's a common law duty to protect (people's) property."

Aside from, oh, you know, the police locking the unlocked vehicles, we have mixed feelings about this particular program. On the one hand, they are taking pre-stolen goods right out of the criminals' mouths. On the other, no jury (in Texas) would ever convict you for shooting someone taking property from your car. Seems to us like a lorra lorra gert plonker method to sort out the wheat from the chavs.

[Source: BBC | Image: Chris Jackson/Getty]

Irony Police: U.K. authorities reportedly resorting to 'theft' to discourage stealing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EnglandPoliceTheftFri, 28 Aug 2009 15:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19142107/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/28/irony-police-u-k-authorities-reportedly-resorting-to-theft-t/19142107/article-detail.xml 19142107 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/prince-charles-with-british-police-glasses-getty-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/prince-charles-with-british-police-glasses-getty-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Tough times yield more insurance fraud cases]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-tough-times-yield-more-insurance-fraud-cases/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-tough-times-yield-more-insurance-fraud-cases/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/report-tough-times-yield-more-insurance-fraud-cases/#commentsFiled under: , ,



They're called owner "give-ups," and their rise is a sign of the tough economic times. Despondent over being financially strapped and unable to cover car payments, vehicle owners are ditching, sinking, or torching their vehicles and reporting the loss to collect insurance payoffs. According to authorities, most of the titleholders aren't seasoned criminals. In fact, many of the false claims are filed by first-time offenders -- people who normally wouldn't steal a piece of candy from a store. However, the desperate owners see insurance companies as "rich and fat," says James Quiggle, a spokesman for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. Many think the insurance companies won't miss a few dollars.

Well, of course they will. Owner "give-up" cases result in felony charges of insurance fraud, making false statements to police and insurance providers, and arson if the car was burned. A better solution for cash-strapped owners, say experts, is to attempt to renegotiate payments, sell the car, or trade it in for a less expensive model. While you generally won't come out ahead, those transactions are legal and they'll keep you out of the slammer.

[Source: Detroit News | Image Source: Mark Dadswell/Getty]

REPORT: Tough times yield more insurance fraud cases originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArsonCoalition Against Insurance FraudCoalitionAgainstInsuranceFraudFraudInsurance FraudInsuranceFraudJame QuiggleJameQuiggleLossOwner give-upOwnerGive-upStolenTheftTue, 30 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19080428/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/30/report-tough-times-yield-more-insurance-fraud-cases/19080428/article-detail.xml 19080428 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/84751910-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/84751910-580op.jpg -1 2