MICHIGAN -- The ATPA compiled information on the Michigan vehicles stolen from 2010 to 2011 and rated the top ten most stolen vehicles. The results were unexpected to car salesmen at Simms Chevy in Clio.
"My best guess would be the camero."
"Malibu, cruze?"
"Suburban,” asked Simms Chevy employee’s.
But they were not even close. The 2000 Dodge Caravan is Michigan’s most stolen vehicle according to the ATPA. The reason for the top rank is unclear.
"Being repeatedly stolen is an indication of organized crime, we don't normally see a lot of that in the Saginaw area," said Detective Sergeant Scott Jackson.
Jackson says because the ATPA’s statistics are statewide, it's difficult to pinpoint why cars like the Dodge Caravan, '97 Chevy pick up and the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix are among the most stolen in Michigan.
"From 2004 and older make up about 75 percent of our thefts," said Jackson.
The newest model topping the ATPA’s list, the 2011 Chevy Malibu, Jim Simms says newer vehicles like the 2013 Malibu are creating new ways to keep your car in your driveway.
"Laser etched keys make it difficult to replicate these keys without the tools or technology," said Jim Simms.
Even direct intervention with the use of Onstar.
"It can track the vehicle by GPS also slow the vehicle down to make it easier to be intercepted," said Simms.
What are thief’s favorite choices? The ATPA says the color black on Monday in July.
