2000 Dodge most popular for Mich. thieves

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority said its data indicates the most-stolen vehicle in the state during 2009 was the 2000 Dodge Caravan.

Dan Vartanian, the group's executive director, said auto thefts in Michigan dropped 16 percent during 2009, but the 2000 Dodge Caravan was the vehicle model reported stolen most often, followed by the 1999 Dodge Caravan, 2000 Dodge Intrepid, 1998 Dodge Caravan, 1997 Dodge Caravan and 1999 Dodge Intrepid, The Detroit News reported Friday.

"It is baffling," Vartanian said. "It has to be supply and demand: The parts are still good, the chop shops have a demand, and so the thieves deliver. In many other states, the most stolen cars are usually Honda Accords and Acuras, but that's not the case in Michigan."

Experts said older Dodges are often targeted because the steering columns are easily broken and the ignition systems can be started without the correct keys.