Plenty of change happened worldwide during the pandemic; unfortunately, theft is on the rise. Auto theft, in particular, has seen double-digit increases after being on the decline before 2020.
Different regions around the country have become hot spots for auto theft. But cities aren’t the only place to be wary of. Some vehicles have a higher chance of being stolen. You can read lists of most stolen cars in America all over the internet. Even some parking spots lend themselves to theft more than others.
Read on to find out what puts you at risk, what cities are hotspots, and what basic steps can lower your chances of falling victim to auto theft.
What an Auto Thief Looks For
Thieves want the most reward for the least effort. Auto thieves are specifically looking for easy access and limited guardianship. In addition, they scout for ease of transportation and concealment.
Unmonitored Parking Lots
Because of those risk factors, rental properties are prime locations for someone to steal a vehicle. Take parking options into account when looking for an apartment. Also, because of the higher density of residents, thieves know they are less likely to be identified as suspicious by neighbors or other people in the parking lot.
Because of predictable parking times, industrial and manufacturing areas are also hotspots for theft. If your job has a security force, ask them how they monitor employee parking.
Unlocked Vehicles
The easiest way to invite car thieves to your vehicle is to leave your car unlocked. While many of these thieves are looking for an opportunity to grab electronics, sunglasses, or other easy items, they always test the start button to see if the owner left the fob in the vehicle.
These are the most common thefts that happen at home. Of course, parking on the street is riskier than parking in a driveway. But even leaving a garage door unlocked can open an easy opportunity for thieves.
Carjacking Opportunities
One of the most alarming increases in crime in the last couple of years is in carjacking rates. Across the nation, police stations are issuing warnings to drivers to be aware of their surroundings while filling up at gas stations. Never leave your car idling in the lot if you need to run in and buy a lottery ticket or cigarettes. And avoid gas stations at certain hours at night.
These thieves are called “sliders” because they slide into the vehicle through a passenger door and either take belongings or slide into the driver’s seat and take off. These crimes have happened in broad daylight with the gas pump still attached to the vehicle and aren’t just high-end vehicles.
Hot Spots for Auto Theft
Across the country, crime rates are on the rise, and there are auto-theft hotspots that you need to know about. Many cities across the nation report a 100% increase in stolen vehicles just in the first half of 2022 compared to 2021. Some business owners are implementing Guard Patrol System to prevent theft.
Colorado, Denver Metro
Colorado led the nation in car thefts, according to the recent National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Law enforcement points out the weakening of penalties for auto theft leaves little deterrent for stealing.
Many of these thefts center around apartment buildings where access is easy, and guardianship is low. Unfortunately, many victims are underinsured and cannot afford to lose their only vehicle.
The Denver Airport and surrounding hotels were also identified as hotspots in the metro area. Thieves know that vehicles parked here may be unnoticed for at least 24 hours, plenty of time to clear the car and make it vanish.
California, Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California, has been an auto theft hotspot for a decade, topping the 2012 NICB auto-theft hotspot list and remaining there for the recent 2019-2020 report. The high rate of stolen vehicles leaves people fending for themselves.
Car owners are advised to take safety into their own hands. Different tactics include steering wheel clubs, after-market alarms, and even removing fuses (such as the ignition fuse) when owners leave their car.
The vehicles that top the most stolen list in the area are older models of Hondas, Ford and Chevy Pickups, and Toyotas. Newer security tech on later models likely deters such theft. But some new phone-access features are vulnerable s to hacking. Police say many of these thefts are simply crimes of opportunity.
Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Twin Cities
Lest you think the midwest is safe, the alarming jumps in auto theft in cities across the midwest show it’s not exempt.
Cities in Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin are victims of a social media “challenge” where teens show each other how to hotwire Kias and Hyundais.
Even in rural towns, the highest targeted autos are Kias and Hyundais because of the plastic components of the locks and ignition systems. Some can even be stolen with just a screwdriver or a USB drive.
Protect Your Car from Theft
Years ago, high-end vehicles were commonly targeted. Those days are no longer because of the anti-theft and vehicle recovery technology standard in luxury makers. Here’s what you can do to avoid being an easy target.
Lock Your Car
Whether you sit in a parking lot checking your messages or are exiting your vehicle, don’t leave the doors unlocked. The only time the doors should be unlocked is when you are exiting or entering.
Keep the keys with you, and make sure you have your car’s lock settings optimized. One modern safety feature is automatic locks. The minute you walk away from your vehicle, the doors lock. Even if you stand by your vehicle at the gas pump, you still need to lock your doors.
Park Wisely
Always park in a visible, well-lit spot. Ideally, park close to the building you will enter and look for a place in front of a window. The higher the chance of “guardianship” by people viewing your vehicle, the less likely a thief will break into your car.
If you have to park in a remote lot, park in a well-lit area to see your surroundings clearly. See if you can locate security cameras and park within their view. When available, park in a secure lot with in-person security.
Prevent Sketchy Situations
When leaving your vehicle, limit distractions like being engrossed in your phone. Look around and be confident and formidable. Thieves are looking for easy targets and tend to pass over tough-looking opponents.
When approaching your vehicle, stay alert. Quickly assess the outside of your vehicle for tampering. Next, scan your vehicle’s interior to ensure no one is in there. If anything seems off, return to where you came from and ask for security to walk you to your vehicle.
Protect yourself by finding your keys before you leave the building. Have your key already in hand so that you don’t have to search a bag or pockets while standing by your vehicle. Your goal is to move quickly and efficiently when getting into your vehicle.
Optimize Your Auto Features
If you have a newer vehicle with convenience features, learn how and when to disable them.
Because many cars have automatic-unlock options for when you approach your vehicle with your keyfob, many thieves wait for the owner to approach for an easy grab-and-go.
While being able to open the tailgate with your foot might be convenient, it is also an easy way for someone to access your vehicle if your fob is in the vicinity. Auto lock and auto unlock options should also be disabled for parking in lots or unmonitored spots. Installing GPS tracking solutions for theft prevention can be an option too.
Finally, if you notice auto theft on the rise in your area, if your car is one of the most stolen cars, and if you don’t have a backup vehicle, please reevaluate your insurance plan. You might not be able to afford the risk you take by being underinsured.
Maria Hanson writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. She is passionate about helping drivers find their best insurance options.
