The National Insurance Crime Bureau's "Hot Spots" report examines vehicle theft data obtained from the National Crime Information Center for each of the nation's Metropolitan Statistical Areas.  To see how California cities rate, view this chart.

Consider this: Every 20 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States. Auto theft is a lucrative business, not because the cars stolen are necessarily valuable, but because their parts are in great demand. Chopped up into their parts, cars are worth many times more than their book values.

To help prevent car theft attempts, do the following:

• Install a security device such as a steering wheel lock, gear shift column lock or car alarm.

• Never leave your car with the keys in the ignition, even if it is just for a minute (13% of all stolen vehicles have the keys left in the car).

• Since 10% of all stolen cars are towed, make it difficult for your car to be towed by parking with the front wheels sharply turned to the right or left and applying your emergency brakes.

• Put any personal property, expensive items or holiday gifts in the trunk.

• Keep your car locked in a garage if possible.

• Mark your vehicle identification number (VIN) under the engine hood, trunk lid and battery with paint or permanent marker.

• Keep the registration card of your car in your wallet instead of the glove compartment.