In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reported more than one million vehicle thefts in the United States. Of those, over half were due to driver error. These errors include things like leaving keys in the vehicle, leaving doors unlocked, or parking in less-than-ideal spaces, just to name a few.
   

Passenger vehicle theft makes up almost 75% of all stolen vehicles, but there are many actions drivers can take to discourage theft and protect one of their most valuable assets. Let's start by looking at some of the things thieves commonly look for when targeting vehicles:
   

• Radios and/or stereos 
• Wheel covers
• Labeled and branded parts
• GPS units
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Purses and bags

Keep in mind that a car thief, even if their plan isn't to steal your vehicle, will always be on the hunt for the easiest, most inconspicuous targets.
  

    

While there’s certainly no foolproof way to completely protect yourself from being a victim of car theft, here are nine steps you can take to make your car a more difficult, less attractive target for potential thieves.
     

BE SMART ABOUT WHERE YOU PARK

Make smart choices about where you park your vehicle, particularly if it will sit in an exposed space overnight or for an extended period. Choosing a space that's close to overhead lighting or in a busy area with significant foot traffic can often be all it takes to deter a car thief.
   

ADD A GPS TRACKER

There are plenty of GPS trackers that can be built into vehicles, but even placing a GPS air tag in the trunk can help to quickly locate your vehicle in the event it's stolen.
  

    

ADD VISIBLE LOCKS AND ALARMS

Although not foolproof, items like a visible steering wheel lock and anti-theft window decals send a signal to thieves that your vehicle will be tougher to steal. Additionally, items like blinking security lights and alarm systems let thieves know that tampering with your vehicle will likely alert everyone.
  

ADD LIGHTING

If you park in your driveway or an outside space, adding motion sensor lights and cameras can be a deterrent. These types of tools can deter thieves, and in some cases, help identify them.
  

   

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Always being aware of the surrounding area when parking or when walking to your car can help you avoid becoming a victim. If something seems out of place, or you see someone or something as being suspicious, act accordingly.
 

KEEP CAR KEYS SEPARATE FROM HOUSE KEYS

The last thing you want to have happen is to give thieves the keys to your home. Keeping car keys separate from house keys adds a layer of extra protection.
 

STORE KEY FOBS

Many modern vehicles come equipped with keyless entry, where the key fob in a pocket or purse is detected to unlock and/or start the car. Thieves can use sophisticated antenna in what’s known as a “relay attack.” These antennae pick up the signal from a key fob and amplify it to gain access to the vehicle parked nearby, thereby entering and stealing the car without breaking a thing.
 

If you have a keyless entry vehicle, storing your fob in a faraday box that shields its signal can help prevent this type of high-tech attack.
  

ALWAYS CLOSE AND LOCK YOUR CAR

Make a habit of always closing windows and sunroofs. Locking your vehicle can often make the difference between thieves leaving it alone or choosing it as a target.
  

GET AN IMMOBILIZER

A vehicle immobilizer is designed to prevent a vehicle from being hot-wired and can significantly deter a potential thief. While they vary in sophistication, most modern immobilizers are embedded in key fobs. If someone tries to use a counterfeit key, an immobilizer can set off an alarm, notify a security service, and in some instances, completely prevent the engine from running.