Lock ‘Em Up, Michigan! Thieves Love Stealing These 10 Cars – Mix 95.7FM – Today's Variety

What’s Driving Car Theft in Michigan?

Let’s face it: We live in Michigan, which is full of adults who grew up playing Grand Theft Auto, which gamified the act of stealing cars. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve put my fair share of hours into GTA and honestly had a ton of fun committing fake crimes. However, it wasn’t until after I began lifting cars in the digital world that the thought crept into the real world.

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Not in an “I’m gonna steal a car” kind of way, more of a “That would be a fun car to drive” passing thought than a conscious consideration. But it was there. It wasn’t there before GTA, but it was after. So, how many people have given in to that urge, and are they following a game-approved shopping list, or do different motives drive them? Is social media playing a part?

Car Thieves Target Imports Over Pickups

According to the latest study from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), imports top the wishlists of those who are pulling the strings of Michigan’s and the country’s car thieves in 2023. This marks the first time in years that full-sized pickups weren’t in the top slots, though they remain in the top 10.

The NCIB mentions in its report that both KIA and Hyundai suffered the misfortune and wrath of videos trending on social media. These weren’t promotional videos; they were step-by-step instructions on how to steal them, sometimes even hacking headlights.

The Top 10 Vehicles on Michigan Car Thieves Wishlists

If your vehicle appears on the list below, the NCIB recommends that you park in well-lit areas, lock all your doors, don’t keep valuables in sight, don’t leave your vehicle running, and, for crying out loud, don’t leave your keys in your car. If your car is stolen, call the police and report it as soon as possible to increase your odds of getting your ride back.