If you own a 1992 Honda Accord, you might want to make sure your insurance policy covers car theft.
The car ranks first on the state’s annual list of most stolen vehicles in 2008, according to a report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Older cars can be broken into quickly and are easier to steal, said Scott Wagner, a Snohomish County-based special agent from the bureau.
The nonprofit organization has offices throughout the country.
Wagner investigates insurance fraud related to car theft and helps local police agencies tackle auto theft rings.
The 1990 Toyota Camry and 1995 Acura Integra rank third and fourth on the list.
A ’90s model Honda Accord and Honda Civic end up near the top every time, said Darrin Sanger, a spokesman for the Northwest Insurance Council.
These cars are older, but the thieves make double the value of the car by selling parts, Wagner explained. The parts are good quality despite the cars’ age, he said.
Hondas also appeal to street racers because of their high-performance engines, Wagner said.
Several auto theft rings, or “chop shops,” are known to operate in Snohomish County, Wagner said. Thieves may buy a salvaged car and piece it together with parts from stolen cars.
Car thefts have traditionally plagued the greater Seattle metropolitan area partly because of its proximity to the international border, said Sanger with the insurance council.
The good news is the number of car thefts in Washington has been going down for the past few years, he said. Last year, 31,681 cars were reported stolen in Washington. That’s a 25 percent drop from 42,251 stolen in 2007, Sanger said.
Wagner credits the work of special county-wide task forces formed through the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority. Prosecutors also have been working to get more jail time for car thieves.
Everett was able to crack down on car theft through its bait-car program, Wagner said. Under the program, a car that is likely to be targeted is used as a trap for thieves, who are recorded on video. The car is also equipped with a tracking device.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau also tracks which cities have the most car thefts. Modesto, Calif., was the first on the national list in 2008 and 2007.
Yakima last year ranked third in the nation, first in Washington.
Car theft isn’t exactly a crime of opportunity, Wagner said. Thieves typically target specific cars, and it’s difficult to stop them. People should, however, take steps to make themselves a less likely target.
That includes installing car alarms, making sure the windows are rolled up and the doors are locked. Also remember to put valuables out of sight and park in well-lit, safe area, Wagner said.
“Thieves are getting smarter on how to break into vehicles. They are becoming sophisticated with tools,” Sanger said.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
Top 10 stolen vehicles
1. 1992 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1990 Toyota Camry
4. 1995 Acura Integra
5. 1994 Nissan Sentra
6. 1995 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
7. 1994 Saturn Sl
8. 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
9. 1994 Ford Explorer
10. 1993 Dodge Caravan
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