DES PLAINES, Ill. - The Chevy Cruze has made the list of top 2013 model year vehicles stolen in the U.S. in 2013.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released its annual Hot Wheels report, identifying the top stolen vehicles in the US. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model-year most reported stolen in 2013.

The Cruze comes in at number nine on the list for 2013 models.  499 Cruze automobiles were reported stolen across the United States last year. Number one on the list was the Nissan Altima, with 810 taken.

Top Ten 2013 model year vehicles stolen in the US in 2013

  1. Nissan Altima
  2. Ford Fusion
  3. Ford Pickup (Full-size)
  4. Toyota Corolla
  5. Chevrolet Impala
  6. Hyundai Elantra
  7. Dodge Charger
  8. Chevrolet Malibu
  9. Chevrolet Cruze
  10. Ford Focus

The NICB also published a top ten list that covers all models and model years stolen in Ohio.  The 1994 full size Chevrolet pickup tops that list, followed by the 2000 Dodge Caravan at number two.

Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Ohio

  1. Chevrolet full size pickup (1994)
  2. Dodge Caravan (2000)
  3. Ford full size pickup (2004)
  4. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (1998)
  5. Buick Century (1996)
  6. Chevrolet Impala (2002)
  7. Chevrolet small size pickup (1997)
  8. Honda Accord (1994)
  9. Ford Explorer (2002)
  10. Oldsmobile Cutlass/Supreme/Ciera (1996)

After a slight increase in 2012, the FBI predicts a reduction in national vehicle thefts of 3.2 percent when final 2013 statistics are released later this year. The peak year for vehicle thefts was 1991 with 1,661,738. If the FBI's preliminary 2013 estimate holds, thefts will be under 700,000—a number not seen since 1967 and a reduction in vehicle thefts of over 50 percent since 1991.

NICB recommends four “layers of protection” against theft:

Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. “Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices that are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics,” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

Insurance fraud or vehicle theft can be reported anonymously to NICB by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or online.