A report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) revealed that more than 10,000 cars were stolen in 2020, the latest year for which data is available.
This may seem surprising, especially given the progress that has been made in vehicle security.
But even in 2024, car theft remains a big problem in New Jersey.
The method of stealing cars has evolved.
Gone are the days of hot-wiring cars, replaced by more advanced technologies, especially with the popularity of smart keys and fobs.
However, these amenities come with their own weaknesses.
Surprisingly, many thefts result from a simple mistake: the owner leaves his smart key in the car, making it easier for someone to take the car.
The NICB report shows a significant 56% increase in such incidents.
Read more: The feds are warning New Jerseyans to take this out of their wallets
While it’s easy to assume that luxury cars like Audis, BMWs, and Range Rovers will top the list of stolen cars, the reality is different.
These high-end models don’t even rank in the top ten in New Jersey.
Instead, the vehicles most targeted tend to be popular, fuel-efficient models.
The logic is practical: the more familiar a car model is on the road, the more likely it is to be targeted, not only because it is easier to integrate but also because of the higher demand for spare parts.
For car thieves, targeting reliable and economical cars makes sense; They became part of the crowd and got good mileage.
So, while we may think of luxury cars as prime targets, thieves often target rugged models for everyday use.
Is your flight in danger? These are the ten most stolen cars in the Garden State.
Most stolen cars in new jersey 2024
Gallery credit: Matt Ryan
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