Avoid Auto Theft
Copy: Dave Nichols
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Family & Car Safety
Avoid Auto Theft
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over one million cars were stolen in 2023, a one percent increase over 2022. Since 2019, there has been a 25 percent increase in auto theft. The states with the highest vehicle thefts were California and the District of Columbia. The most stolen models come from Kia and Hyundai due to security vulnerabilities.
A Car is Stolen Every 32 Seconds
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that last year, a car was stolen every 32 seconds in America. California had the highest number of thefts in the nation with 208,668 vehicles stolen, but the District of Columbia took the top spot for highest theft rate with 1,149.71 car thefts per 100,000 residents: over three times the national rate. The NICB tells us that of the vehicles stolen, over 85 percent are recovered, with 34 percent being recovered within a day of the theft.
How to Keep your Car Safe
With all that in mind, how do you keep your wheels safe from being nabbed? It helps to think like a car thief to keep your vehicle secure and take preventative measures. Here are our top tips to prevent car theft.
Stay Visible
Most car thieves don't like to be seen. They are like cockroaches in that way, scurrying around in the dark to avoid detection. So, when your vehicle is away from the safety of your locked garage, park where there is plenty of light and activity. Park under a bright street light in a high trafficked area where people are likely to notice if someone is breaking into your car.
Stay Alert
When looking for a place to park, especially at night, look for a well-lit area with security cameras or guards in place. If you see someone hanging out near your car, consider moving on. Many of the tips in this article come down to common sense and street smarts.Â
Hide Valuables
If you have anything worth stealing in your car, hide it in the trunk or rear storage area where it is out of sight. Imagine if a thief looked into your car and saw your wallet or purse, your smartphone or laptop. Those items are just begging to be grabbed.
Lock the Doors
Always check to see that your car doors are locked and secure before leaving the vehicle. Remove your keys, keep them with you, and lock those doors! The NICB says that in recent years, 209 cars are stolen in America every day because they were left unlocked with the keys or electronic fobs left in the vehicles. These "complacency thefts" occur most frequently in California, Texas, Florida, and Ohio. The NICB advises you to set the car alarm, lock the vehicle, and take all keys or fobs and never leave the garage door opener in the vehicle when you are away from it.
Windows Up
 Make sure all the car windows are all the way up before you lock up and walk away. A thief can reach in, unlock the car, and take what they want. Why make it easy for them?
Take the Registration
People generally have the vehicle registration and insurance policy card in the glove compartment where thieves can find them. Take a photo of your car registration and keep the insurance card with you, never leave them in the car. Take all personal information out of the car.
Never Leave the Car Running
You wouldn't believe how many cars are stolen in winter months because they were left running in order to warm them up. The same thing happens in summer heat. You hop out of the car to grab a quick cup of coffee and leave the car running. Just like cockroaches, those car thieves are always watching for an opportunity to "grab and go."
Never Leave a Spare Key
You might think you're being clever by leaving a spare key somewhere in, around, or on your car. But here's the thing: thieves know all your hiding spots.
Anti-theft Technology
Today, new cars come with some form of anti-theft device. Most have a standard sensor trigger that will set off a siren or the car horn if tripped by opening a car door or window. Many people assume they have a car alarm because the vehicle has keyless entry, but that is not always the case.Â
Check your Owner's Manual for information on what kind of anti-theft device came with your car. At the minimum, an alarm system should use the car's lights and horn to draw attention to illegal entry. Immobilizer systems keep the car from being started by using smart keys, kill switches, and ignition authentication systems. Advanced systems may include proximity sensors, glass break sensors, tilt sensors, or impact sensors. Some even include remote start. Many auto insurance companies today offer premium discounts for aftermarket alarms.
Tracking systems such as the LoJack Vehicle Recovery System may be purchased through your Lithia Motors dealer and installed by LoJack's trained technicians. Basically, LoJack protects your car from theft and reduces stolen vehicle recovery time from an average of 28 days to just 26 minutes. And if your vehicle is not recovered within 30 days, you can be eligible to receive up to $10,000.
LoJack provides real-time information on where your car is located and has a 98 percent recovery rate for stolen vehicles. The system communicates to your smartphone using the LoJack app using GPS and cellular technology. When your vehicle is missing, it connects to local law enforcement to file a police report. Then you activate recovery, and the app locates your stolen vehicle.
The Bottom Line
At Lithia Motors we don't want you to become a victim of auto theft. Remember to stay alert and follow our tips to stay safe.Â
As NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle tells us, "Anti-theft technology works, but only if you use it." If your car is stolen, contact the police immediately and provide them with the year, make, model and color of your car as well as the license plate and VIN number. The NHTSA reminds us that you should contact your auto insurance company to report your car stolen within 24 hours of it being taken.
