Protect Your Vehicle from Theft

Photo by Bastian Pudill on Unsplash

For many of us, cars are one of the most expensive purchases we make in our lives. But when you hear a car alarm, is your first thought the security of your vehicle? Or, like most of us, do you think, “someone turn that racket off!”

There has been a dramatic increase in carjackings over the last few years and certain models have proven especially popular targets. The most stolen car over the past decade in the United States has been the Honda Accord. However, from 2019 to 2021, the most stolen vehicles were full-size Ford pickup trucks.

In 2024, a motor vehicle was stolen every 37 seconds in the United States.

If you own a popular, expensive, or easy-to-sell vehicle, you may be an appealing target for theft. Several factors make a vehicle more desirable to thieves, especially how easy they think it will be to steal and resell. However, there are some practical things you can do to reduce your risk of having your vehicle stolen.

How to Prevent Theft

The easiest way to prevent vehicle theft is to lock your vehicle. It’s a good practice to keep it locked even when you are driving, and every time you exit, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Before locking your vehicle, ensure all windows are closed so there is no way for a thief to gain access.

If you have a newer vehicle with features like keyless entry, remote start, or push-button start, some thieves can start your vehicle using the signal your key fob gives off, without actually having the keys in their possession. To reduce this risk, keep your key fob far away from your vehicle (for example, not hanging beside your front door). You can also invest in a special signal-blocking box or pouch to store your key fob when you’re not using it. If you have a garage, keep your vehicle inside and keep the door locked if possible. To take it a step further, install lights to illuminate your garage and driveway at night and deter thieves who won’t want to be seen. Just make sure you aren’t shining bright light through your neighbours’ windows at night.

Make Your Vehicle Undesirable

Making your vehicle harder to steal can make it a less attractive a target. Invest in devices like a steering wheel lock, brake lock, kill switch or other immobilizing technologies to prevent your vehicle from being started or driven, even with the key.

Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas, and try not to leave any valuables in your vehicle that could attract thieves. If you do leave something of value in your vehicle, ensure it is well hidden and not visible from the outside. Record the serial numbers of all items of value, in order to give law enforcement the best chance at recovering your property if it is stolen. Also, make sure you don’t leave the title to your vehicle inside, as having the title makes it easier for thieves to sell your vehicle.

Half of all vehicle thefts can be prevented

Lastly, customizing your vehicle can help lessen its value to thieves by making it harder to sell and easier for law enforcement to identify. You can also purchase a tracking device and hide it in your vehicle to make it easier to locate if it is stolen.

If you ever see anything suspicious happening near a vehicle, call local law enforcement and let them handle the situation. Vehicle theft is on the rise, but you can take preventative measures to lower your chances of being targeted.

To read the article that inspired this blog, click here: https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/most-stolen-cars/

For more information about vehicle theft prevention, visit https://rcmp.ca/en/bc/safety-tips/theft-and-vandalism/prevent-theft-and-vehicles and https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention