Car thefts in Honolulu have been on the decline, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Hot Spots auto theft report. There were about 3,633 car thefts in Honolulu last year, down 26% from the 4,935 thefts in 2006 and down 35% from the 5,602 thefts in 2005. Honolulu was in 82nd position in the nation based on its per capita rate of auto thefts. Honolulu had a rate of 401 vehicle thefts per 100,000 residents. Modesto, California, took the No.1 spot, with 5,358 thefts and a rate of 1,047. The rate determination used the 2007 U.S. Census Population Estimates, the most current figures available, according to the bureau.

In 2007, for the second year in a row, the 1991 Honda Accord and 1995 Honda Civic led a list of most reported stolen cars, according to Hot Wheels 2008, the companion study to the Hot Spots auto theft report. Also making the top 10 for 2007 were the 1989 Toyota Camry, 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup, 1997 Ford F-150 Series Pickup, 1994 Acura Integra, 1994 Nissan Sentra, 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup, 1988 Toyota Pickup and the 2007 Toyota Corolla.

According to the bureau, they have confirmed that theft of older model vehicles has remained constant for the past several years. Thieves continue to target older vehicles because they provide the best market for stolen vehicle parts. Preliminary data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report reveal that motor vehicle theft is headed for an 8.9% decrease in 2007; however the final figures will be released later this year.

In Stanislaus country, vehicle thefts have reduced this year. Cities like Modesto and Turlock have seen reduction in auto thefts by nearly 30 percent. According to national insurance crime bureau, Stanislaus country ranked first this year in car thefts. In 2007, Stanislaus country had dropped to fifth place in car thefts. Nearly 959 vehicles were stolen in July this year, in Modesto city. Last year during the same period, 1,366 cars were stolen. There’s nearly 30 percent drop of vehicle theft in Modesto city this year compared to last year.

Thief’s used to steal even if they had to pay $40,000 for bail or they were in jail for 180 days. But now there has been a reduction in car theft because they don’t want their picture in the paper. Even if the police have any suspicion on any person they would post their picture on the newspapers. This thing has really affected thief, which led to reduction in car theft. Public has also become more cautious. People used to leave their engine running as they were in a hurry to go into a store so that they could complete their task soon. Older model Hondas and Nissans remain popular targets for thieves.