LoJack Releases Auto Theft Recovery Report

WESTWOOD, Mass., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LoJack Corporation (Nasdaq: LOJN) today released its first Auto Theft Recovery Report, highlighting results from LoJack's 2009 recoveries.  The report provides valuable information regarding the ongoing issue of auto theft, which according to the FBI's latest theft data (2008) remains a major issue despite a declining number of thefts.  Of the 956,846 vehicles stolen, 411,444 were not recovered, accounting for $6.4 billion in lost assets.  On the other hand, in 2009, LoJack had a 90 percent success rate recovering 11,382 LoJack-equipped stolen vehicles valued at nearly $133 million.  Hondas and GM vehicles topped the list of foreign and domestic vehicles recovered.

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"Our recovery report reveals some very interesting statistics that highlight the value LoJack's Stolen Vehicle Recovery System brings to vehicle owners," said Patrick Clancy, Vice President of Law Enforcement, LoJack Corporation.  "First of all, our recovery rate greatly surpasses the overall national recovery rate, which has been dropping for the past several years.  According to the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report figures, recovery rates for vehicles have plummeted from a high in 1999 of 67 percent to today's low of 57 percent. Yet, over that same period of time, LoJack has continuously delivered a 90 percent success rate -- the best recovery rate in the business.  Additionally, beyond the numbers reflected in our 2009 recoveries are the dozens of chop shops we've helped police bust as well as the thousands of non-LoJack equipped vehicles that have been recovered as a result of the LoJack System.  

Following are LoJack's findings for 2009:

Top Makes and Models Stolen and Recovered:

1. Honda Civic
2. Honda Accord
3. Toyota Camry
4. Acura Integra
5. Cadillac Escalade
6. Toyota Corolla
7. Chevrolet Tahoe
8. Nissan Altima
9. Chevrolet Silverado
10. Ford F-250 series

Top Vehicles Stolen and Recovered (by year):

1. 2000 Honda Civic
2. 1999 Honda Civic
3. 1997 Honda Accord
4. 1998 Honda Civic
5. 1996 Honda Accord
6. 1994 Honda Accord
7. 2007 Toyota Camry
8. 1997 Honda Civic
9. 1995 Honda Accord
10. 1995 Acura Integra

States with the Most Stolen and Recovered Vehicles:

1. California
2. Texas
3. Florida
4. New York
5. Massachusetts
6. New Jersey
7. Arizona
8. Maryland
9. Nevada
10. Georgia

Most Stolen and Recovered Vehicle Colors:

1. Black
2. White
3. Silver
4. Gray
5. Blue

Other Interesting Recovery Facts:

• Oldest Recovered Car: 1960 Chevrolet Corvette
• First Recovery of the Year: 1999 Plymouth Voyager on January 1 at 12:57 a.m.
• Last Recovery of the Year: 1994 Toyota Corolla on December 31 at 8:23 p.m.
• Most Vibrant Colored Cars: Pink Cadillac Deville and pink Honda Accord

Still Big Business for Organized Crime Rings and Sophisticated Thieves

"Based on our experience and what we've learned from law enforcement agencies around the country this year, stealing older model cars remains a big business for organized crime rings, which often strip vehicles and sell the parts for three to four times the overall value of the vehicle," said Clancy.  "We're also seeing sophisticated thieves go after newer vehicles, as they've found ways to outsmart the theft deterrents -- such as disabling GPS tracking devices and vehicle immobilizers.  Yet, thieves haven't been able to outsmart the LoJack System, as our 90 percent recovery rate has remained constant.  As a result of the covert nature of our system, thieves have difficulty finding the LoJack and therefore can't disengage it.  Furthermore, our superior Radio Frequency technology operates even if the vehicle is hidden in areas like concrete garages, steel containers or under dense foliage.  Most importantly, LoJack's integration with law enforcement gives police the advantage of directly tracking a stolen vehicle with their Police Tracking Computers once a theft has been reported."

About the Report

The 2009 LoJack Auto Theft Recovery Report is based on state theft statistics and vehicle recoveries documented by LoJack in 27 states from January to December 2009.  LoJack will continue to issue this report annually to provide the industry with valuable statistics and trend information. 

About LoJack Corporation

LoJack Corporation, the company that invented the stolen vehicle recovery market more than two decades ago, is the global leader in finding and recovering a wide range of mobile assets including cars, construction equipment and motorcycles -- having recovered more than $5 billion USD in stolen assets worldwide.   In today's rapidly changing world, LoJack's core competencies are more valuable and more relevant than ever as they are now being applied into new areas, such as the prevention, detection and recovery of stolen cargo and finding and rescuing people with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's and autism. LoJack has the proven processes, ultimate technology for recovery -- Radio Frequency -- and unique integration with law enforcement agencies, making its offerings the most effective solutions that not only deliver a wide range of recoveries, but also enhance the safety of the public on a global level.  LoJack's Stolen Vehicle Recovery System operates in 27 states and the District of Columbia, and in more than 30 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.  For more information, visit www.lojack.com.

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Patrick Clancy: https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=93701

SOURCE LoJack Corporation