Despite high prices at the pump car thieves seem most interested in boosting gas guzzlers. The Ford F-250 pickup truck has replaced the Cadillac Escalade as the vehicle with the highest theft rate for 2010-2012, according to a new report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a division of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Clearly, pickup trucks and SUVs are popular among thieves. The F-250 has a claim frequency of nearly six times the average of all vehicles. Ford has responded by trying to make its vehicles safer and thefts are declining due to ignition immobilizers, which prevent thieves from hot-wiring a vehicle. For the 2012 model year, 89 percent of vehicles had this technology; it is standard on most cars and SUVs, but not on as many pickup trucks. As reported in www.foxnews.com.

Both the F-250 and Escalade have ignition immobilizers, yet these models continue to be popular with thieves. Even with the added protection, enterprising larcenists could use tow trucks or a flatbed to take the large vehicles.

Stop theft classes which curb overall theft and additional theft-deterrents, like a steering column lock have helped in the battle against grand theft auto. In 2012, an inclination sensor was added that could set off an alarm when the parked SUV's angle changed, as it would while being towed.

Below is a list of the highest and lowest insurance theft claim rates. The list differs from the information published on the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which lists the most frequently stolen vehicles, which are more commonly driven cars. The HDLI list looks at claim frequency which is per 1,000 insured vehicle years. An insured vehicle year is one vehicle insured for one year.

Highest claim rates                          Overall theft losses

Ford F-250 crew 4WD                         $50

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew             $37

Chevrolet Avalanche 1500                  $38

GMC Sierra 1500 crew                        $38

Ford F-350 crew 4WD                        $42

Cadillac Escalade 4WD                       $36

Chevrolet Suburban 1500                  $24

GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab          $28

GMC Yukon                                     $28

Chevrolet Tahoe                              $23

Lowest claim rates

Dodge Journey 4WD                        $2

Volkswagen Tiguan 4WD                  $4

Audi A4                                          $5

Acura RDX                                      $3

Toyota Matrix                                 $3

Lexus HS 250                                 $1

Honda CR-V                                   $2

Hyundai Tucson 4WD                       $2

Toyota Sienna 4WD                         $6

Jeep Compass 4WD                        $3

While protecting your ride is a year-round chore, July is officially National Vehicle Theft Prevention month. Hence, now is a good time to review a few simple reminders that might help keep your vehicle in your good hands. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers these tips on how to protect your car from theft:

• Always take your key, don't leave it in or on your vehicle.

• Always close and lock all windows and doors when you park.

• Park in well-lit areas.

• Always keep your vehicle in your garage, if possible.

• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen.

• Never leave the area while your vehicle is running.

• Protect your vehicle with an anti-theft/immobilizer device.

Here’s to a fun and safe summer. Having your car boosted will ruin your summer.