How To Protect Yourself Against Car Theft

Car theft is an increasingly common problem impacting more than a million individuals every year.

According to data compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), car thefts have steadily risen since 2019. From 801,023 reported car thefts in 2019 to 888,011 in 2020, increasing again to 937,976 in 2021. In 2022, car thefts surpassed the one million mark with 1,001,967 reported incidents. NICB estimates that 2022’s car thefts alone resulted in $8.9 billion in losses.

These are the highest vehicle theft numbers since 2008, according to the NICB analysis, when 1.05 million vehicles were reported stolen. What can consumers do to protect their property from car theft amid these record-breaking numbers? Luckily, best practices from organizations like NICB can help you keep your property and yourself safe in the event of car theft or related crimes, such as carjacking.

Avoid Becoming a Target

According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), car theft or theft of items from vehicles are crimes of opportunity. Car theft can occur in seconds, and momentary lapses in judgment — such as leaving your key in the ignition during an errand — can quickly result in insurance claims, police reports and headaches as you try to reclaim your stolen property.

Instead, avoid becoming a target of car theft by following these tips:

• Never leave your valuables on display – Keep your phone, laptop bag, designer clothing or accessories and other personal belongings out of sight when exiting your vehicle. Any sign of valuables within can entice a criminal to break your car window. Instead, take all your valuables with you when you exit your car, or keep them locked securely in your trunk where potential thieves cannot notice them.
• Keep your car secure – What should you do each time you arrive at your destination? Rolling up your windows, locking your doors and taking your keys out of the ignition are simple ways to reduce your chances of car theft. While it may be tempting to leave your car running in the driveway or a parking lot with the windows open to cool it down on a hot summer day, you’re increasing your chances that someone may abscond with your personal belongings or vehicle. Additionally, keep your vehicle locked and the windows up while driving to reduce your risk of carjacking.
• Park wisely – When traveling for work or pleasure, parking directly under a light is more than a smart way to ensure you’ll find your car easily at night — it can also deter criminals. Thieves often use the dark, shadowed corners of parking lots to conceal their actions, making it more difficult to identify them as perpetrators of a crime. Parking directly under a light, in a well-lit area or in a staffed lot are all ways to protect your property.
• Stay alert – Being an attentive, focused driver works in your favor when avoiding car-related crimes. Carjacking, the act of someone taking over your vehicle while you’re behind the wheel, is a violent crime that can traumatize or even result in bodily harm. To help mitigate your risk of carjacking, always pay close attention to your surroundings and note any people or individuals that appear to be watching or following you. If you feel unsafe, keep your doors locked, the windows shut and drive to the nearest police or fire station.
• Invest in security systems – Anti-theft security systems can provide peace of mind if you’re concerned about the safety of your vehicle or personal items within. The shrill alarm of an anti-theft system can draw attention to crimes in progress and deter would-be thieves from carrying out their work. Some security systems incorporate GPS, which can help you and the authorities locate and reclaim a stolen vehicle. Don’t forget that your car can be at risk even while it’s parked in your driveway at home. Keep it in a secure garage or install motion-sensor security lights to prevent anyone from getting too close to your vehicle.