Car theft can happen to anyone, but with a few proactive steps, you can drastically reduce the chances of falling victim. From using tracking devices and installing a kill switch to parking in well-lit areas and locking your doors, these practical tips will help safeguard your vehicle. Stay alert, be proactive, and always ensure your car is secure. Following these tips will make your vehicle less attractive to thieves and increase the likelihood of recovering it if stolen.
- Activate manufacturer tracking and use 3rd party trackers - Many modern cars come with built-in GPS tracking and remote monitoring systems. Enable these features to track your car in case it is stolen. Organized Auto Theft Groups are aware of methods to disable manufacturer tracking. A 3rd party tracker can assist if the built-in tracking is disabled.
- Install a kill switch - A kill switch interrupts the flow of electricity to vital parts of the car, such as the ignition or fuel system, making it much harder for a thief to start your car.
- Always lock your vehicle & never leave keys in the car. Never leave your car unlocked when unattended—even for a moment. Double-check that all doors, windows, and the trunk are securely closed. Never leave your keys inside the car, even for a short time. Avoid leaving spare keys in the glove compartment or under the vehicle, as thieves often know where to look.
- Don’t leave your vehicle running & don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Never leave your vehicle running and unattended, even if you’re just “running into the store” for a few minutes. Thieves are quick to seize the opportunity when they see an idling vehicle. Remove valuables such as electronics, bags, or other tempting items from the car when leaving it unattended. If you must leave something behind, store it in the trunk or cover it out of sight to reduce temptation.
- Park in well-lit and busy areas or garages. Choose parking spots with plenty of visibility. Thieves are less likely to target a vehicle when it’s in a high-traffic or well-lit area. Avoid parking in isolated areas, such as dark corners or alleyways.
- Install an anti-theft device and use a steering wheel cover or locks. Steering wheel locks (e.g, the Club), gear shift locks, OBD locks and brake pedal locks are visible deterrents to thieves. Some thieves may be discouraged if they see the added time and effort it would take to remove such a device.
- Use an alarm system. Install a car alarm that will activate when unauthorized access is detected. Opt for a system that also includes motion sensors or proximity sensors to detect tampering.
- Be careful with remote key fobs. Keyless entry fobs are convenient, but can be vulnerable to theft using relay devices. To protect your key fob, store it in a Faraday pouch or keep it in a metal container when not in use to block signals.
- Etch your VIN on windows and parts. Etching your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on windows and parts makes your car less attractive to thieves because it makes it harder to sell. It’s also a useful tool for law enforcement in identifying stolen vehicles.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and aware when getting in and out of your car. Observe your surroundings for any suspicious activity, such as people loitering or acting unusually around vehicles. Report anything suspicious to the authorities immediately.
- Check for recalls and security updates. Make sure your vehicle is up-to-date with any manufacturer recalls related to theft vulnerabilities.
Regularly check for any security system updates provided by your car manufacturer. - Stay up to date on frequently stolen vehicles. Equite Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to combating auto theft and insurance fraud. They publish a list of the top stolen vehicles.