For the fourth consecutive year in a row the Honda Torneo has topped the list of the 10 most frequently stolen cars in New Zealand.

Based on AA Insurance's claims data, the annual Top 10 list also shows the Subaru Impreza is still a target of thieves after being bumped to third place by the Mazda Familia which came second.

Honda is unlikely to be breaking out the bubbly after the Torneo (pictured) topped AA Insurance's Top 10 list of most frequently stolen cars in New Zealand. Photo: Honda

Mazda has the most vehicles in the Top 10 and along with the Familia, the Atenza and Premacy made it onto the list at ninth and tenth places respectively.

Honda, Nissan and Subaru all made the list with two vehicles each, while Mitsubishi had one vehicle in the Top 10.

AA's customer relations manager Amelia Macandrew says with the Honda Torneo in particular, it's not that there are more of the vehicle on the road than any other car.

'It's the probability of them being stolen that's far greater than any other car we insure.”

Police statistics show vehicle thefts have remained consistent over the past three years, with 49,121 incidents and related offences reported in 2014. This compares to 48,375 in 2013 and 49,935 in 2012.

According to AA's claims data, 92 per cent of thefts of the models on the list were for cars manufactured more than 10 years ago, with the average value of stolen vehicles being $5,120.

While older cars can be a potential target, there are things owners can do to ramp up their car's security to make them less attractive to thieves regardless of the age or make.

For example, installing an alarm, a steering lock, or considering a visible immobiliser.

'Thieves will always go for the easiest, fastest option, so if you make it just a little bit harder for them then chances are they'll lose interest in your car and move on to an easier target.

'One of the simplest, most effective things you can do is lock your car before you leave it, even when it's at home or parked in the garage.”

The Mazda Familia came second on the list. Photo: Wikipedia

Owners of newer models of cars that are on the list shouldn't be alarmed as their vehicles will tend to have more sophisticated security systems.

But Amelia reminds all car owners to take all security precautions as possible, even if the car is parked in the driveway or in front of the house outside.

This was highlighted for one AA Insurance customer who heard a strange noise one night, then a car being started. She woke the next morning to find her 2000 Subaru Impreza gone from the driveway.

The thief had been on the run from police after a house break-in, and escaped through neighbouring backyards.

Police later apprehended the thief and recovered the car, which had $1100 worth of damage to the ignition and locks.

'The best chance of keeping your vehicle safe is to park it in a garage or carport, however if you're going to park on the street then make sure it's under a street light for better visibility.

'It's in our customers' interest to make their cars as difficult to steal as they can – not only to avoid the distress and inconvenience of a theft, but also help keep insurance as affordable as possible.”

THE TOP 10 MOST FREQUENTLY STOLEN CARS:

1. Honda Torneo
2. Mazda Familia
3. Subaru Impreza
4. Mitsubishi Libero
5. Nissan Safari
6. Honda Integra
7. Subaru Forester
8. Nissan Stagea
9. Mazda Atenza
10. Mazda Premacy

Subaru Impreza came third on the list. Photo: Wikipedia