The State - News from March 8, 1987
Thieves stole 208,064 vehicles worth $750 million in 1986, the California Highway Patrol reported, making one of every 128 Californians an auto theft victim. Auto thefts statewide increased about 16% in 1986 over 1985, the CHP said, matched by a 16% increase in the number of stolen vehicles recovered by authorities. The CHP said the most popular automobiles among thieves were Toyota Celicas built from 1978 to 1987, with 1967 or older Volkswagen Beetles ranking second. Chevrolet Camaros built in 1978 or later were the third most popular among thieves.
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