Insurance website Confused says not one of its customers has claimed for the theft of a Ford Ka since 2004
Ford Kas are the least likely cars to be stolen because they "have no street cred among thieves", an ex-burglar turned security expert has claimed.
The insurance comparison website Confused.com analysed its insurance data and found that not one of its customers had claimed for the theft of a Ford Ka between 2004 and 2011.
The Toyota Yaris is the number one most stolen car, with approximately one in every 244 models lost to thieves, followed by the the Volkswagen Touareg, with 1 in every 236 stolen. Next came the the Volvo XC90 (1 in 370), the Porsche 911 (1 in 417), and the humble Seat Altea (1 in 435).
After the Ford Ka3, the least stolen model was the Chevrolet Matiz, the Suzuki Ignis, the Hyundai i10 Comfort, and the Nissan Skyline, all of which had tiny theft rates of 1 in 5,000 or less.
Confused.com asked security expert and ex-burglar Michael Fraser to comment on why certain cars were stolen and what owners can do to avoid losing their car to a thief.
He said: "A Ford Ka is not very likely to be stolen as thieves will view them as cheap, with no power, and no street cred among thieves.
"The cars that are much more likely to be targeted are the BMW 3.5, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes C Class, and the Range Rover Sport. These are sought after by car thieves as they are very fast, powerful, hold the road well and are built well. Protection on these vehicles will be high, so it's about getting hold of the keys."
Fraser said the most common mistake car owners made was leaving items like phone leads, sat nav holders and handbags on display. Vans were also usually stolen because the thief could see tools or equipment inside, so it was worth hiding them away.
Fraser added: "Cars are stolen for certain types of jobs, so for example, ram-raiders prefer sturdier vehicles with tow bars or oversize bumpers, and they will choose dark-coloured vehicles so they blend in. White vans are useful for moving stolen goods because they appear anonymous."
Fraser urged manufacturers to fit trackers on new vehicles as standard, but said there were things people could do to reduce the risk of theft:
? When parking on a road turn the wheels into the kerb, and when in a car park turn the wheels towards another car: a thief will avoid your vehicle as it takes a lot more effort to move it
? When parking on a drive always drive in rather than reverse in, and again turn the wheels
? Untidy vehicles attract thieves because they indicate the owner is usually in a rush and is likely to have left behind something of value, or forgotten to lock the car. Show that you care about your car
? If a car has flowers painted on it or fluffy toys inside it is not likely be stolen because it draws the wrong sort of attention and tends to be cheaper. Cars with private plates are also avoided as they are easy to spot
? If you have a driveway use it ? a thief has to come closer to you to take the car, and they don't like to do that
? If there are no visible security signs, worn locks and/or the windows are slightly open or the doors not shut properly your car will be an invitation to a thief
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/aug/15/ford-ka-least-stolen-car
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