Top Ten Stolen Cars For 2010

It appears that car thieves have changed their habits. Gone are the days when only high-end prestige vehicles like Audi, BMW and Mercedes were stolen to order, now the thieves have their eyes on your average family car!

A recent survey by Tracker has revealed that car theft by keys has risen to a massive 80% for the first quarter of 2010, that's up by 6% compared to 2009. The study has also revealed that car thieves are now targeting lower value vehicles in order to meet the demands of the competitive car market. Stephen Doran, managing director of Tracker Vehicle Recovery Services explains.

"The recession is taking its toll on thieves too and we have seen them adjust their targets to suit buyers, making lower value vehicles just as valuable to them as the fancy sports cars."

Tracker's recent results show that the highest value stolen vehicle for 2010 was the Mercedes CL63 AMG worth a whopping £120,000, whilst the lower value vehicle recovered was a Ford Sierra worth just £1,000.
So, what are the top ten most commonly stolen and recovered cars? Well, it appears some things never change with the luxury BMW X5 crossover remaining in the top spot, followed closely by the Land Rover Range Rover and BMW M3. Its good news if you own an Audi TT though, the roadster has slipped down the popularity ladder to be overtaken by the Land Rover Defender.

Don't breathe a sign of relief too quickly though. Tracker warns that your standard average family car is now high on the list of desirable targets.

"While the top ten results features prestige brands, this doesn't tell the whole story, as thieves will target vehicles across a range of values, especially as today's market means car buyers are looking for bargains" comments Doran.

So how can you protect yourself and your beloved vehicle? Many car owners are now investing in a car security system such as a GPS vehicle tracking system. A car tracker works by using GPS technology to pinpoint your vehicles exact position and detects any unauthorised movements with its inbuilt movement sensor. Some car security systems even send out a security guard to wait with your stolen car until your vehicle is recovered. These car trackers can be quickly and easily installed by an approved fitter.
Has your car made it onto the top ten list? Check it out...

Top Ten Stolen & Recovered Cars for 2010:
1. BMW X5
2. Land Rover Range Rover
3. BMW M3
4. Land Rover Defender
5. Mercedes Benz MI
6. Audi RS4
7. Mercedes Benz SLK
8. Mercedes Benz CLK
9. Audi TT
10. Audi Q7 / Porsche 911 / Porsche Boxster / Subaru Impreza