Albany, N.Y.—The New York Insurance Association identified the 2000 Honda Civic as the most frequently stolen vehicle in New York State. The Hot Wheels 2009 study released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) examines data reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model, and model year most reported stolen in 2008.
In 2008, the most stolen vehicles* in New York State were:
1. 2000 Honda Civic
2. 1994 Honda Accord
3. 2000 Dodge Caravan
4. 1991 Toyota Camry
5. 1997 Nissan Maxima 6. 1995 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
7. 2005 Nissan Altima
8. 1996 Plymouth Voyager
9. 2007 Toyota Corolla
10. 2002 Ford Explorer
Ellen Melchionni, president of NYIA, said that vehicle theft continues to decline in New York State and the nation. “Even though vehicle theft has decreased, drivers still need to take prudent steps to prevent their vehicle from being stolen,” she said.
Three Arrested in NYSIF Cases in Suffolk County
The New York State Insurance Fund arrested two Long Island builders and one claimant in separate cases of alleged workers compensation fraud with a potential total of more than $1 million. All three arrests took place last week, resulting from joint investigations by the Suffolk County District Attorney Insurance Crime Unit, the New York State Insurance Department Frauds Bureau, the Workers’ Compensation Board Fraud Inspector General’s Office and NYSIF’s Division of Confidential Investigations. “NYSIF has mounted an aggressive campaign against workers’ compensation fraud for many years thanks to the cooperation and assistance of our investigative counterparts at other agencies and the law enforcement community throughout New York State,” NYSIF Chief Deputy Director Francine James said. “We thank Suffolk County DA Thomas Spota for the arrests in these cases. Given the burden it places on honest businesses, consumers and taxpayers, workers’ compensation fraud is a crime that must be taken seriously.” Investigators said a Morganville, New Jersey, man, John Barone, is charged with fraudulent insurance practices as a felony. According to investigators, Barone, 66, owns a carpentry business, Byram Associates of Valley Stream, NY, employing approximately 20 people. He allegedly falsely reported to NYSIF that he operated an architectural business with one employee to defraud NYSIF in premium payments of approximately $657,000.
John Rusnak, 49, of Freeport, NY, also faces a felony charge of fraudulent insurance practices. Investigators said Rusnak, doing business as Colt Contracting of Syosset, NY, allegedly understated the nature and actual payroll of his business to defraud NYSIF of $104,177. Monica Martinez, 37, also of Freeport, was charged with fraudulent insurance practices for allegedly working while maintaining in documents she signed and returned to NYSIF that she had not returned to any form of work since suffering a back injury as a dental assistant in 2005. Investigators said Martinez, who was receiving $400 per week for a temporary total disability, allegedly returned to work as a dental assistant while defrauding NYSIF of $39,360. NYSIF estimated the potential savings on her claim to be $270,000 if she is convicted.
Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations only. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
