Missouri insurers say 20,000 vehicles stolen in 2008

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- An insurance industry group says American cars remain the top picks among Missouri thieves.

The Missouri Insurance Information Service says more than 20,000 vehicle thefts were reported in the state last year, nearly half of them in St. Louis and Kansas City. Total losses are estimated at more than $140 million.

The five most commonly stolen vehicles in Missouri are the Dodge Intrepid, Ford Taurus, Pontiac Grand Prix, Dodge Stratus and Oldsmobile Cutlass.

The insurance group says vehicle owners can deter thieves by locking the doors, closing all windows, putting packages and valuables out of sight and parking in a residential garage. For vehicles parked outside, turning the wheels sharply to the right or left makes it difficult for thieves to tow.