Is Your Vehicle an Easy Target for Car Theft?

Car theft is almost as old as the invention of the automobile itself. The good news is that after years of a pandemic-fueled surge, vehicle thefts have plummeted to historic lows, dropping 23 percent in 2025 following a major 17 percent decline the year before. The bad news is that it remains a multi-hundred-thousand-car problem, with roughly 660,000 vehicles still stolen nationwide last year. Furthermore, motor vehicle theft continues to make up a substantial portion of personal property crime and carries the lowest clearance rate of any major category, according to law enforcement data.

So, how can you protect your vehicle? Start by avoiding these nine mistakes that can make a car irresistible for thieves—whether they want to take things left inside, sell the vehicle, strip it for parts, go for a joyride, or use it in another crime.

1. Leaving your car unlocked

Leaving your car unlocked is essentially an open invitation to thieves. Most aren’t looking to break windows unless they have to; an unlocked door is quieter, faster, and less suspicious. They’ll rummage through the glove box, storage compartments, areas under seats, and the trunk. With modern cars, remote trunk releases or folding rear seats often mean the trunk may not be as secure as people think.

2. Leaving your car unlocked with the keys inside

Yes, this actually happens. More than 100,000 vehicles are stolen every year by thieves who found the keys or fobs left inside, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Security experts note that these "complacency thefts" have risen sharply in recent years, largely because drivers accidentally leave electronic proximity fobs behind in the center console.

3. Leaving your car unlocked with the engine running

Even if you’re only planning on being away for a minute or two, it takes a thief mere seconds to hop in and drive away. Law enforcement agencies nationwide warn against "puffing"—leaving a vehicle running unattended to warm up—noting that these easily preventable targets account for massive spikes in local auto thefts during cold weather months.

4. Leaving valuable items inside your car in plain sight

Thieves are looking for purses, wallets, smartphones, tablets, GPS systems, or anything else that might be valuable. But it’s not just high-ticket items; they’ll break in for much less, including a charging cable or spare change left on the center console. Even an empty bag can make a vehicle a target, as thieves may assume there’s something valuable inside.

5. Not using your garage 

It’s surprising how many people pack their garages with seldom-used items that have little or no market value—and then leave their car—one of their priciest assets—exposed in the driveway. If you have a garage, use it; it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter motor vehicle theft.

6. Parking your car in a poorly lit area

Thieves prefer working under the cover of darkness. It helps ensure their anonymity as passersby are less likely to notice them. Parking in areas with little or no lighting increases the risk your car will be targeted. Whenever possible, choose well-lit, high-visibility parking spots, especially at night or in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

7. Ignoring your car’s inherent theft risk 

Some cars are far more attractive to thieves than others, and it’s wise to know if yours is on the target list of most stolen cars.

According to the NICB, certain Hyundai and Kia models from the early 2010s have risen to the top of the list due to vulnerabilities in their ignition systems. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has a theft claim frequency that is more than 60 times that of an average vehicle. At the other end of the scale, the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC90 have among the lowest theft claim rates.

Owners of theft-prone cars should consider these additional precautions:

• Use a steering wheel lock.
• Install a GPS tracking device.
• Add a kill switch to prevent the engine from starting.

8. Underestimating the appeal of older cars

It may seem unlikely, but older vehicles can be very tempting targets. They often lack advanced antitheft technology, which makes them easier to steal. And their parts can be in demand, especially for discontinued models or those still on the road in large numbers. Thieves can strip older vehicles for components and sell them quickly and discreetly.

This includes vehicles with catalytic converters. If your car is a known target for catalytic converter theft, additional precautions may include installing an antitheft device on your catalytic converter and parking in a garage or well-lit area.

9. Neglecting to turn the front wheels or setting the parking brake

When parking on the street, especially on inclines, turning your front wheels toward the curb (or away if uphill) and setting the parking brake does more than prevent rolling. This practice makes it more difficult for a thief who wants to tow your car away. While it won’t stop a determined thief, it adds a layer of difficulty that could encourage them to move on to an easier target.

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If your car is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately. Reporting a stolen vehicle as soon as possible increases the chance of recovery.

The good news is that standard vehicle recovery rates remain remarkably high. According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over 85 percent of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered by law enforcement, with a significant portion found abandoned within the first 48 hours. While some stolen vehicles may be damaged or involved in another crime, many are recovered quickly and in good condition. Nonetheless, taking steps to prevent car theft is still your best, most effective option.