According to the latest data from the FBI on auto theft, a car is stolen every forty seconds in the US.

When it comes to most likely to be stolen cars, the general perception always goes to those poshest luxury cars and the flashiest sports vehicles. However, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), family cars turn out to be more frequent targets among thieves.

In recent years, advanced anti-theft systems installed in new automobiles help decrease vehicle thefts. But, these car criminals are becoming more adept and getting cagier at breaking through electronic security systems by replicating key codes through various techniques. And most stolen hot US-made luxury cars are often exported overseas where they are resold a premium double price.

“Hot Wheels” list from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) shows that the Honda Accord, Honda Civics, Toyota Camrys models, etc come out to be the most frequently stolen cars in the United States. However, there are also lots of them that aren’t reported by insured owners as claimed by the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Here is a list for the top ten most likely to be stolen car compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute comprising different kinds of car models so that car owners can get a clear picture by taking this approach and identify those vehicles that tends to be frequent targets among thieves. This approach can help car owners protect themselves from becoming a victim of auto theft.

Dodge Charger

The rate at which people file insurance claims indicates that Dodge Charger has the highest theft claim with its 4.8 thefts per 1,000 units. There has been a wide range of different Charger nameplate vehicles built on three different platforms and sizes. Owner usually chooses from a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Charger’s ample horsepower might be what the crooks look for although experts can’t exactly figure out what really makes the charger the top hot pursuit among thieves.

Mitsubishi Galant

Manufactured in between 1969 to 2012, there have been nine distinct generations for this automobile. Its initial production actually started as compact sedan, however, evolved into a larger mid-size car over the course of its life. With a theft rate of 4.2 per 1,000, this automobile ranked second according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Cadillac STS

Manufactured from 2005 to 2012, this mid-sized luxury four-door sedan was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with performance algorithm shifting and driver shift control. The STS was the most expensive sedan in Cadillac’s automobile production line. Its costly figure makes sense that this sedan would be a high-priority heist target thereby ranking on the third most likely to be stolen cars.

Hyundai Accent

The fourth place is owned by this sub-compact South Korean car. Also known to Hyundai Verna, it was in production in between 1994 to 2000. Experts are not exactly sure what makes the Accent so popular with thieves, although the car’s style, speed, sticker price, etc, might be part of the equation.

Lamborghini Gallardo

This Italian sports car was in production from 2003 to 2013. With 14,022 being built throughout its lifetime, the Gallardo has been Lamborghini’s most desired model with things of beauty such as  unforgettable body style, 5L 90 degree V10 (4961cc) engine, cabin aesthetics, high-spec interiors, etc. With two choices of transmissions: a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission, and an advanced six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic robotized manual, it’s impossible not feel thrilled. With all these features and decent price-tag, it becomes a frequent target among auto crooks.

Chevrolet Impala

Built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors, the Chevrolet Impala is a full-size automobile upper mid-size that was in production from 2000 to 2007. When full-size models dominated the domestic market, Chevrolet becomes one of the best-selling automobiles in the United States, competing against the Ford Galaxie 500 and the Plymouth Fury. The all-new Impala offers ample power, fresh style, luxury interior, high-reliability/safety ratings, etc. So, there is no doubt to wonder why car crooks has such an appetite for Chevrolet products, making the Impala the sixth most likely to be stolen car.

Chevrolet HHR

This 5 door retro-styled station wagon was in production from 2005 to 2011. The HHR uses 2.0-liter SS version that produces 260hp. This vehicle is relatively slower and uglier than its equivalents. With its 3.4 thefts per 1,000, experts are not sure what really makes it one the top targets for thieves.

Chevrolet Aveo

The Aveo is subcompact car that has been in production since 2002. It was originally built by GM Daweoo, a South Korean General Motor subsidiary, though it wears a Chevrolet’s badge. Also with 3.4 thefts per 1,000 vehicles, the Aveo is also among the high-priority heist list for car crooks.

Infiniti FX35

Built by the Nissan-owned Infiniti, the FX35 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that was produced from 2003 to 2010. Powered by naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6, this luxury vehicle provides 303hp and takes 7.1 seconds to get from 0 to 60. The VQ V6 engines are frequently used in Nissan’s luxury brand that is often critically acclaimed. So, it makes sense that it is one of the top priority targets among car crooks, though it was replaced by the 3.7-liter version in the model line that provides greater power of 325hp.

Nissan GT-R

The GT-R is the 2-door sports coupe which was first displayed in 2007 in Japan. It was powered by the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 485 hp though the power was increased to 545 hp for the model year 2014 Track Edition. The GT-R uses Nissan’s Premium Midship (PM) platform, an evolution of the Front Midship (FM) architecture assembled on hybrid ultra-low-tolerance jigs similar to those used in race car construction. Such unique features make this vehicle to be top priority heist for criminals.

Regardless of new anti-theft technology that emerges with every new model year, auto theft is still on the peak rate. Some people stay away from purchasing most stolen cars and others take anti-theft protections. By checking out the above list detailing the most likely to be stolen cars in the United States, car owners can take precautionary and protection measures to combat the auto crooks.