Which models of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) were top theft targets? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released a new report that examines thefts of SUVs and CUVs reported stolen between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2013. The data was further refined with thefts of 2011, 2012 and 2013 model year vehicles only. Using those parameters, a total of 21,711 SUVs/CUVs were reported stolen during the period.

The top five makes and models stolen during the period were: Ford Escape (1,421), Ford Edge (1,140), Ford Explorer (958), Jeep Grand Cherokee (912) and the Kia Sorento (725). In terms of class, compact CUVs experienced the most thefts with 6,981. Large CUVs were next with 3,206, followed by mid-sized CUVs (3,204), large SUVs (2,902) and premium CUVs (2,394).

The top five states for SUV/CUV thefts were California (3,531), Florida (1,897), Michigan (1,834), Texas (1,686) and New York (1,577).  The state of Washington reported 278 while Idaho was among the lowest with only 25. Wyoming was the lowest state reporting only 15 thefts. See the analytical report here and a list of all state thefts here.

When examined by core-based statistical area (CBSA), New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA posted the most thefts with 2,530. It was followed by the Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI CBSA with 1,701 and the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA CBSA with 1,300.

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on our website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), News Release – June 16, 2014, Thefts of SUVs and CUVs