The incidence of stolen vehicles is declining annually as the automobile industry emphasizes enhanced vehicle security. In the United Kingdom, the number of reported vehicle thefts fell by 12% last year, totaling 360,000 incidents. Recently, the automotive sector has implemented significant measures to combat vehicle theft, utilizing electronic alarm systems and advanced security software in cars, making it increasingly difficult for criminals to break in and steal vehicles. Older models remain more susceptible to theft because they often lack the modern security features found in newer vehicles, such as those from Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes.
Car theft generally falls into two categories: short-term use and profit-oriented theft. Authorities indicate that vehicles recovered quickly after being stolen are typically associated with short-term use. In contrast, profit-driven thefts involve cars taken with the intention to sell for financial gain. Any vehicles that are stolen and never recovered are categorized as “for profit” thefts. The short-term theft category also includes cars that are found later in a stripped condition, indicating they may have been stolen for profit.
There are numerous measures you can adopt to minimize the risk of your car being stolen. Firstly, when parking your vehicle, choose a location that offers good lighting for added safety. Even during daylight hours, if your vehicle will remain stationary for an extended time, select a well-lit area to deter thieves. A well-lit spot at night makes it more challenging for criminals to attempt theft. When parking your car overnight in your garage or driveway, ensure that all windows and doors are locked to prevent theft. While this may seem like a common sense step, it’s easy to become complacent about ensuring your vehicle is secured.
Avoid leaving your smartphone or other valuable items in plain view within your car, as thieves are attracted to shiny objects. When exiting your vehicle, make sure to take your valuables with you. If that’s not possible, conceal them in places out of sight, such as the trunk or compartment.
Nearly half of all vehicle thefts are preventable. If vehicle owners adopt necessary precautions, such as locking their doors and turning off the engine before leaving their cars unattended, the rate of theft could significantly decrease. Many of us have started our cars during chilly weekday mornings and then made the mistake of going back inside for a warm drink. Over 20% of all car thefts occur close to the owner’s home. Leaving a vehicle with the keys in the ignition only invites thieves. Additionally, in many countries, it is illegal to leave your car running when unattended. If you’re not sitting in the driver’s seat, always ensure that you switch off the engine and take your keys with you.
In the United States, approximately 800,000 vehicles are stolen each year, which averages out to one car theft every 39 seconds. In Canada, around 80,000 vehicles fall into the hands of thieves annually.
Car theft rates in both countries have recently increased, with significant spikes observed in certain regions. For example, Washington state experienced an 88% rise in auto thefts in early 2022 compared to the previous year. In New Jersey, car thefts have surged by 31% from last year.
Auto theft constitutes a multi-billion dollar industry, and many drivers inadvertently make it easier for car thieves. Want some evidence? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that between 40% to 50% of auto thefts are due to “driver error,” a polite way of referring to “negligence” or “carelessness,” which includes common mistakes like leaving doors unlocked or keys inside unattended vehicles.
It doesn’t matter whether you reside in an area that has not seen a significant rise in car thefts, own a model that is typically less appealing to thieves, or aren’t likely to commit “driver errors.” Every driver stands to gain from learning or being reminded of the best practices for preventing car theft.
Here’s an explanation for the increase in car thefts: The pandemic has significantly contributed to the recent uptick in vehicle thefts, as people have been home more and are slowly returning to their workplaces and social activities. Consequently, more vehicles have been parked in driveways and on residential streets. Crime statistics indicate that the majority of auto thefts take place at or near the vehicle owner’s residence.
Digital keys
The advanced technology in our vehicles that enables us to easily access and start our cars without a conventional key is also contributing to the problem. Many new cars have replaced physical keys with digital alternatives, such as fobs, cards, or smartphones. Clever thieves have discovered ways to circumvent modern car security systems and take advantage of their sophisticated technology.
AirTags
While most car thefts occur as a result of opportunity, some criminals are willing to be more strategic and patient. A recent trend among car thieves involves using tracking devices like Apple’s AirTag or various Tile trackers. The method is straightforward: a small tracker is discreetly placed on a target vehicle while the owner is occupied. Later, the thief can pinpoint and steal the vehicle at a more favorable time.
Supply and demand
Current supply chain challenges have significantly reduced the inventory of new and used vehicles. This limited availability has also led to an uptick in car thefts. The auto sales market is so frantic right now that certain used cars are being sold for more than their new counterparts! Eager buyers are snapping up vehicles upon arrival, often without seeing them first. Unsurprisingly, car thieves are leveraging this turmoil for their own profit.
Where stolen vehicles end up
When a vehicle is stolen, it can be directed to several possible fates. The typical outcomes for a stolen vehicle include:
– being dismantled for valuable parts like catalytic converters, tires, airbags, and rims
– being utilized to commit another crime
– being packed into a shipping container bound for overseas and subsequently resold
– being auctioned to an unsuspecting buyer
– being taken for joyrides and then left behind
– ending up on a used car lot
You might wonder, “Doesn’t the vehicle identification number (VIN) pose a challenge for reselling stolen cars?” Thieves manage this obstacle by replacing the original VIN with a counterfeit one. Some criminals are so bold that they neglect to remove the license plates before selling the vehicle in foreign markets!
These are the most stolen vehicles
The categories of vehicles that attract the most attention from thieves may not align with common expectations. High-end vehicles attract far less interest from car thieves compared to consistently popular models. Additionally, older cars and trucks are often favorites among thieves.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) annual Hot Wheels report identifies the most frequently stolen vehicles in the U.S. According to the most recent report from 2020, these were the top stolen vehicles in America, along with their theft counts in parentheses:
– 2006 Ford full-size pickup (44,014)
– 2004 Chevrolet full-size pickup (40,968)
– 2000 Honda Civic (34,144)
– 1997 Honda Accord (30,814)
– 2019 Toyota Camry (16,915)
– 2020 Nissan Altima (14,668)
– 2005 GMC full-size pickup (13,016)
– 2020 Toyota Corolla (12,515)
– 2000 Honda CR-V (12,309)
– 2001 Dodge full-size pickup (11,991)
These vehicles tend to have higher resale values and are more readily available, naturally leading to a greater likelihood of theft. Additionally, the top-selling vehicles have a more substantial market for their parts.
The surge in gas prices is also influencing which vehicles are stolen more frequently. Thieves are increasingly targeting cars and SUVs that offer better fuel efficiency.
Tips to help you prevent car theft
There are numerous strategies drivers can employ to avoid vehicle theft. Most of these require little effort and no financial investment—just a bit of common sense.
Follow these car theft prevention tips to discourage thieves and lower the chances you’ll find yourself asking, “Where’s my ride?”
1. Lock up, close the windows, and take the key. Really.
Almost every local news report about a rise in car thefts includes a message from a police official that typically states: “Please remember to always lock your vehicles and take your keys with you.”
The NICB indicates that between 2016 and 2018, 229,339 vehicles in the U.S. were stolen because owners left a key or fob inside the car.
The most effective way to thwart car theft is to consistently ensure that your vehicle’s doors are locked and that your keys are not left inside if you’re unattended.
What’s the first thing a thief will check on an unguarded vehicle? The locks, of course. An unlocked car with the key or fob visible is almost like offering it up to a thief on a silver platter.
Even if it’s hot outside and you want to keep the inside of your car cool, avoid leaving the windows partially open when away, even for a brief moment. A window that’s merely an inch open is all a skilled thief needs to gain access.
2. Avoid leaving a running car unattended.
Nothing attracts a thief more than an unlocked car that’s left alone with the keys inside, except for an unlocked car that is running with nobody around.
Drivers often start their cars to either cool them down or warm them up for a short period at home or work. Sometimes the car is started manually, and other times it employs a remote starter. Be cautious about when you utilize a remote starter; only use it when you can keep an eye on your vehicle.
A car idling in an attached garage shouldn’t stay running for an extended period. If there isn’t proper sealing between the warm living area and the garage, toxic carbon monoxide from the running vehicle could seep into the home.
We all recognize that idling harms the environment and consumes fuel. Give up a bit of comfort by only running your vehicle while you are seated in the driver’s seat.
3. Organize your garage to make indoor parking possible.
One straightforward way to deter car theft is to always utilize your garage for parking. After all, a thief cannot steal what they can’t view!
In a Garage Living online survey of 1,500 North Americans, 20% reported they could not use their garage for parking. It’s logical that a vehicle left parked in a driveway or on the street is much more vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
Restoring the primary function of a garage—the ability to park—is easier than it appears. Here are steps to reclaim space in your garage:
- reduce clutter significantly,
- consult with a garage design professional to maximize storage space,
- equip your garage with effective storage systems like slatwall, overhead racks, and cabinets.
Indoor parking and ample storage space can coexist in a garage. You can even carve out extra space for hobbies, such as working out or having a workshop, with the right garage design to match your family’s needs.
4. Avoid leaving your garage doors open.
Garage Living takes pride in designing attractive garages that captivate the attention of neighbors and passersby. A study by Thompson’s Company found that 52% of homeowners aspire to have a garage that others envy.
While it’s tempting to leave your newly remodeled garage door open to showcase its appealing features, refrain from leaving it open longer than necessary. Otherwise, you risk making your vehicles and other valuable items inside your garage appealing to a thief.
5. Safeguard your key fobs and garage door opener.
It’s common to leave your car keys and key fobs near the entryway after arriving home, whether at the front door or the garage access door, which many modern homeowners use.
Thieves have figured out how to intercept the short-range radio signals that allow communication between a key fob, smartphone, and RFID technology.
When a digital access key is near the walls, doors, or windows of your home, thieves using radio transmission devices can potentially capture the signal to access your vehicle.
To prevent relay theft, store your key fobs in a Faraday pouch or box instead of displaying them on a key holder or leaving them on a surface near a door. A Faraday pouch is designed to block electromagnetic signals to mitigate the risk of relay theft.
Additionally, avoid leaving car keys and fobs unattended at gyms, pools, spas, or the beach, as public lockers can be easily broken into. For water-related activities, use a waterproof key holder that can be attached to your waist or arm.
A garage door opener remote is much like a key to your home; treat the remotes your family uses with the same care you would give to house or car keys.
6. Implementing a dependable anti-theft system for your car is essential.
Nearly all modern vehicles are equipped with an anti-theft mechanism that activates the horn and flashes the lights when an unauthorized entry is detected.
Ignition immobilizers are another type of electronic security feature that helps prevent a vehicle from being hot-wired. This technology has been in use for around 20 years and requires a code or signal from a transponder chip in the key fob to align with the immobilizer system’s code. If the code or signal is incorrect, the vehicle won’t start. If your vehicle doesn’t have this feature, it’s beneficial to have it installed.
Naturally, car thieves have discovered ways to exploit this technology. Push-to-start ignition systems, common in newer cars, make them a more attractive target for theft. A thief only needs to purchase a key programmer (which can be easily found online) and plug it into the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port to bypass the ignition system.
Certain car models are simpler to hack than others, so it’s wise to assess the security level of your vehicle’s anti-theft systems. If your vehicle is more likely to be targeted, you might want to consider installing a reliable and secure aftermarket car security system.
7. Make your vehicle more difficult to steal when parked outside.
Doing anything to hinder a car thief increases the chances they will leave your vehicle alone. A skilled thief can take a vehicle in under a minute, so when you must park outdoors, a few deterrent measures are advisable.
Always aim to park in a well-lit location, whether you’re away from home or if your garage isn’t available. Choosing a spot visible to a security camera can also deter thieves and reduce the risk of car theft.
While tow truck theft isn’t as frequent, it’s still a concern to keep in mind. Most people do not question a tow truck removing a parked car, and that’s exactly what a tow truck thief relies on to succeed.
Strategic parking can also help prevent tow truck theft. Engaging your parking brake might slow a tow thief down just enough to make your car less appealing. Also, turning your car’s wheels as far to one side as feasible can help. If the parked vehicle is front-wheel drive, park it head-in. For rear-wheel drive vehicles, back into the driveway to make towing more challenging.
If your garage does not have enough parking spots for all your vehicles, it makes sense to park your higher-value vehicles indoors. To maximize parking in your garage, think about installing car lifts to secure all your vehicles inside.
8. Be aware of the downsides of modern vehicle technology.
Modern advancements in technology are beneficial…until they become problematic. Technology undeniably enhances our lives in numerous ways. Unfortunately, one downside of the convenience offered by tech is its potential use by criminals as a means to access our lives, homes, and vehicles.
Thanks to safety innovations over the years, contemporary vehicles are safer than ever. Most cars are also more fuel-efficient and come equipped with pleasant features like infotainment systems and multi-zone climate control for a more enjoyable driving experience.
However, be cautious that some advanced car features, including keyless entry and push-button ignitions, can actually make your vehicles more susceptible to theft compared to those you owned a decade ago.
Anti-theft mechanisms will continue to evolve and advance. Unfortunately, thieves will consistently find ways to keep up with the constant changes in modern technology and discover ways to manipulate it.
9. Consider upgrading the security of your garage.
Parking your vehicle in the garage is one of the most effective methods to prevent theft, but this becomes less useful if the garage itself cannot keep thieves out or dissuade them from lurking around your property.
Alongside basic safety practices like ensuring your garage doors and any access points are locked, here are other suggestions to enhance garage security:
- upgrade the external lighting around the garage
- maintain bushes and hedges close to the garage (overgrown plants can assist burglars)
- replace an outdated garage door opener with a newer, more secure option
- avoid having a clear view into the garage through any windows (utilize translucent glass or window coverings)
- install a dependable garage security system
- add security cameras to monitor the outside of the home and the interior of the garage
10. Conceal belongings in your vehicle
It’s common knowledge not to leave valuables inside your car. Go a step further by ensuring that no loose items are in plain sight inside your vehicle that might tempt a thief to break in.
This includes small change, phone chargers, or anything else you might not view as valuable. You can’t predict what might motivate a car thief.
They could be part of a well-organized car theft ring, or it might just be someone facing hard times looking for anything of worth or young people attempting a quick theft. Doing anything to make your vehicle less attractive to thieves can be beneficial.
Traditionally, it has been standard practice to keep a car’s registration and proof of insurance inside the vehicle for instances when you get pulled over or involved in an accident. However, some insurance agents and law enforcement officials now discourage this habit.
Having your personal information in a vandalized or stolen vehicle can lead to identity fraud issues. Car thieves can also use your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents to avoid capture if stopped by the authorities.
If you prefer to keep these documents in your car, ensure they are well concealed. An alternative is to carry them in your wallet or purse or store them on your smartphone.
11. Utilize a dependable vehicle recovery system
While this tip may not prevent the theft of a car, it can certainly improve the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle: ensure it is equipped with a reliable recovery system.
Many modern vehicles come with this feature standard. It employs cellular and GPS technology that assists law enforcement in locating a stolen car. Tracking devices, such as AirTag or Tile trackers, can also be discreetly placed in a vehicle to determine its location if needed. Certain companies, like Tag, can install tracking devices professionally.
Some automakers provide additional methods for identifying a stolen vehicle. For instance, Audi features “unique and permanent tracking numbers discreetly placed in various areas throughout the car to enhance its traceability.”
Organize your garage to enhance home parking security
Don’t simplify things for a thief by leaving your valuable vehicles in the driveway. Reorganize your garage to reclaim its functionality, making more room for your vehicles, home storage needs, and lifestyle activities.
Why older vehicles, Hondas, and pickups are a target for thieves
When reviewing that list, you might question why luxury or new cars aren’t included. The answers lie in three factors: availability, design, and demand.
Each vehicle on the list is a consistent best-seller. For example, the Camry has been the best-selling car in America each year since 2000, with the exception of 2001.
Holding the title for the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. is the Ford F-Series pickup, which has maintained that position for an impressive 36 consecutive years. In 2017, the F-Series achieved its highest sales year, with 896,764 trucks sold.
With so many of these vehicles on the road, thieves logically have more chances to steal them. Popular cars and trucks also generate a higher demand for parts, whether those parts are sourced legally or illegally.
For criminals, selling stolen cars for their components is often more rewarding than marketing entire vehicles, which won’t have their parts stripped.
The reason older models are frequently targeted for theft relates to their security features. They lack the anti-theft measures of newer models, making them easier to steal.
This pattern explains why, according to data from the FBI and the National Insurance Crime Bureau in 2016, the five model years most frequently stolen in 2015 were 1998, 1996, 2006, 1997, and 2004, respectively.
Another common factor among nearly all the most stolen vehicles in America is that they tend to hold their value exceptionally well, particularly Toyotas and Hondas.
Teslas have a 90% lower likelihood of being stolen compared to the average vehicle, according to HLDI. Here’s why:
- They are more frequently parked in garages or near homes for charging.
- Teslas feature advanced key fob security technology.
- The GPS tracking systems that Tesla includes in its cars are significantly more advanced than what the average vehicle possesses.
- A feature available on certain Tesla models requires entering a PIN each time the car is started.
- In the rare event that a Tesla is stolen, its recovery rate far exceeds the 58% reported in 2016 for stolen cars and trucks. Between 2011 and 2018, only three of the 115 Teslas stolen in the U.S. weren’t recovered.
That’s indeed an intelligent vehicle.
A cluttered garage that prevents you from parking your vehicles inside to ensure their safety is not the only reason to finally organize your garage.
In addition to protecting one of your most costly assets apart from your home, here are more reasons to park in the garage rather than on the driveway:
- You’ll save time as you won’t have to clear snow and ice off your vehicles during winter.
- Vehicles will heat up more quickly in cold conditions.
- The windows of your vehicles will be less likely to fog up in humid weather and from morning dew.
- Having your vehicles nearby the garage access door leading into your home makes it easier to carry groceries and other items inside.
- Parking indoors allows you to avoid dealing with inclement weather when entering or exiting your vehicle.
- Some insurance companies might reduce your car insurance premiums.
- Vehicles are safeguarded from damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, tree sap, and debris during strong winds.
