The over-sized and be-chromed Cadillac Escalade definitely attracts attention, but apparently not always the right kind of attention. Cadillac’s range-topping SUV had the dubious honor of being America’s most stolen vehicle according to new information gathered by the Highway Data Loss Institute (HDLI).
UPDATE
Cadillac has responded to the HDLI list with a release detailing the company’s efforts to prevent Escalades from falling into the hands of thieves.
“We are currently implementing four new pieces of ‘armor’ on Escalade intended to reduce vehicle thefts, particularly those called push away,†said Bill Biondo, GM’s global lead, vehicle theft prevention. “We are committed to beating the thieves and expect these new theft deterrent systems to greatly reduce the Escalade’s rate of theft and lower its position on HLDI’s list.â€
The “armor” on the 2012 Escalade includes:
1)A new and more robust steering column lock system that makes it nearly impossible to maneuver the Escalade onto a flatbed tow vehicle
2)An available inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the system senses a change of the angle of the vehicle, such that would occur with towing, flatbedding or jacking up the vehicle.
3)An available shock sensor intended to reduce content theft and push away theft by sounding the alarm when the vehicle is “shocked†such as breaking the glass.
4)A new wheel lock system is available to help prevent the theft of Escalade’s wheels and tires.
Original story below
The Escalade has now taken the top spot in seven of HDLI’s last eight theft reports, which are based on insurance claims made on late-model vehicles. This year’s study showed that the Escalade is six times more likely to be jacked than than the average vehicle, with 10.8 out of every 1,000 Escalades getting boosted, broken into or robbed of parts.
At $10,555 per theft, the Escalade also led the field in average losses per claim.
Interestingly, thieves apparently preferred a little extra practicality to go along with their luxury: the Escalade EXT, which features a pickup bed, went missing from driveways the most of the four Escalade variants.
Former Escalade owners looking for a new ride to replace their stolen SUV should consider the Audi A6, which the HDLI reported to be the least-stolen vehicle in America.
It should be noted that the HDLI’s report only covers thefts involving insured vehicles; overall, thieves prefer the 1994 Honda Accord.
