The Chevy Silverado was the most stolen vehicle in 2021, surpassing both the Ford F-150 full-size pickup and Honda Civic on its way to the top of the list.
According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a whopping 48,206 Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickups were stolen in 2021, up from 40,968 trucks stolen in 2020. NICB noted that nearly one million vehicles in total were stolen last year, and that 14 percent of those vehicles were Chevy, Ford, or GMC full-size pickups. Interestingly, the most commonly stolen model year was once again the 2004 Chevy Silverado.
The 2006 Ford F-150 was the second most stolen vehicle, with 47,999 thefts reported. In third place was the Honda Civic, for which 31,673 thefts were reported. The most commonly stolen model year was the 2000 Honda Civic. Overall, there was an eight-percent increase in vehicle thefts in 2021.
NICB President and CEO, David Glawe, said that the uptick in vehicle thefts is likely a result of ongoing automotive supply issues and an increase in demand for used vehicles. “Crime is a business, and business is good,” said Glawe. “Used car values are at historical highs. We have seen a nearly 35-percent increase in used car values over the last two years due to supply chain issues and inflation. Stolen cars can be shipped overseas and resold or broken down for valuable used car parts here in the U.S.”
While preventing vehicle theft isn’t always possible, Glawe said that there are certainly steps that owners can take to keep their vehicles safe. “Drivers should practice good personal security hygiene and take precautions to protect themselves,” he said. “An insistent thief may still find a way through even the best security plan.”
NICB data indicates that if a vehicle is stolen, its owner should report it as soon as possible to increase the chances of recovery.
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Comments
Why would anyone want the 2004? Ugly grille and the first year of rear drum Brakes.
They’re of the age where parts are getting hard to find. Aftermarket production is winding down and junkyard supply is drying up. Same with the Ford, the mid 2000’s are the most stolen right now.
They’re also the last generation without immobilizers, so they’re a whole lot easier to steal.
Sam – I get that, I was just making a joke that the 2003 – 2005 1500’s are the ugliest of that generation in my opinion. Steal a 99-2002 or 2006 to 2007.
Just to correct, 2004 had rear disc, not till 2007 were they rear drum. On a side note, you could actually put SUV dual piston rear calipers on your 2004, plus larger 2007 front discs fit the 2004 if you had 17″ wheels. This would all improve the woefully inadequate braking power. Agree with the ugly grille statement though.
USA 1 – Nobody goes looking for ugly!
Very Sad situation. People pay big bucks for their “Pride and Joy” and some “RAT” steals it! I guess that “HIDDEN” Kill Switch” is the way to go these days.
Everyone wants one, even the thieves!
The 2004 had disc brakes in the rear 2005 was the first year for drum brakes
Very popular with the Hispanic crowd. Full size GM pickups are gold at the huge auto wrecking yards in Mexico City. It’s funny that in Mexico City there are industrial district wrecking yards devoted to sole specific brands of motor vehicles. A Ford used parts district. A VW used parts district. A Chevy used parts district. A Peterbilt-Kenworth used parts district, etc. Been there. Seen that. Huge operations.