“The increase in vehicle thefts over the past two years should be a reminder that drivers must do their part to protect their vehicles,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. (Photo: Shutterstock)
For many across the country, a car represents a rite of passage. If you’re lucky, it will be by your side for years to come.

But your car’s safety is no guarantee. Drivers face exposures ranging from reckless drivers to sheer bad luck. While some risks are easy enough to cancel out, for some the very model car they own is itself a risk. While it’s easy to assume the latest cars are at the greatest risk, it turns out older models are very popular amongst thieves.

The latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2016.

While thefts are down since their all-time high in 1992, thousands of vehicles continue to be stolen each year because owners leave their keys or fobs in the vehicles.

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Frank Scafidi, director of public affairs for the NICB, advises drivers to park in a secure facility since most thefts occur from publicly accessible locations. For owners with cars which predate more modern anti-theft measures, “The Club” is an effective theft deterrent.

“If owners just take the time to lock their vehicles and take their keys, they’ll reduce their theft risk considerably,” said Scafidi.

With this in mind, keep reading to see America’s 10 most stolen vehicles: