Civics in thieves' sights

It's apparently one of the hottest cars to steal in Utah, particularly along Wasatch Front.

It's not a Porsche, a Ferrari or even a SUV. It's the Honda Civic.

Forty-five to 50 percent of the vehicles stolen in Salt Lake City are Civics, according to police detective Dwayne Baird. Investigators from the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED) said the parking structures at the Gateway Mall were hit hard recently with a rash of about 15 Honda Civics stolen.

West Valley City police report from Jan. 1 to June 30 there were 29 Honda Civics stolen in their city, making it the most popular car among thieves.

The reason for the car's popularity? Like a scene out of the movie "The Fast and Furious," authorities blame at least part of the thefts to illegal street racers.

In Salt Lake City's case, "Most all of (those stealing Civics) are the illegal street racers," Baird said.

Statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) show that in 2002, the most recent statistics available, the top three stolen cars nationwide were: 1) Toyota Camry, 2) Honda Accord, and 3) Honda Civic.

But in Utah in 2002, the top three stolen cars were: 1) Honda Civic, 2) Honda Accord and 3) Toyota Camry.

"These vehicles are most often taken for their parts, which are no longer manufactured and are too difficult or expensive to obtain," NICB President and CEO Robert M. Bryant said in a statement released on the group's Web site. "The individual car components are in high demand with 'tuners' or street racers."

The Honda Civics used by street racers are modified versions of the ones sold at car dealerships. Racers purchase a standard car and then upgrade it with many specialized parts.

An undercover investigator with MVED, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Deseret Morning News that those who steal Honda Civics and participated in street racing could be divided into two groups: those who want to win at all costs and steal simply to better their own vehicle and those trying to commit insurance fraud.

"One friend will take the other friend's car, strip it out and collect (insurance) on it," the agent said.

They attempt to get away with it by forging VIN numbers. MVED spokeswoman Jodi Monaco said one person may attempt to make multiple insurance claims for the same vehicle but with different VIN numbers.

"He's having it stolen or damaged to get parts for his car," she said.

Salt Lake City police recently joined forces with NICS to start a racer database, Monaco said. Part of the goal is to look for multiple insurance claims being made on a VIN number or by an individual.