Thieves' favourite target is Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab pick-up top the list of car thieves' favorite targets in the United States, according to a new study by the insurance industry.

Based on an analysis of theft insurance claims for vehicles sold between 2003 and 2005, the Highway Loss Data Institute says those three models have a theft rate four to five times the average for all vehicles.

While the number of claims of car thefts across all models has fallen, the average loss paid by an insurer on each claim has risen, especially for pick-ups.

Unlike other rankings of vehicle theft, HLDI measures how many claims are filed against how many vehicles are insured to come up with a likelihood of any model getting stolen.

For 2003 to 2005, the average model had 2.6 claims filed for every 1000 insured vehicle years. By comparison, the Escalade had 13.2 claims per thousand.

The Escalade topped the rankings for the fourth year in a row.

Most vehicles are stolen for parts, such as airbags or high-intensity headlights.

As for the least popular car among thieves? That would be the Ford Taurus station wagon, followed closely by the Pontiac Vibe AWD, the Buick LeSabre and the Buick Park Avenue.