8 ways to prevent car theft in 2024
Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a new consumer alert about vehicle theft. In the U.S. last year, car theft rose 25% compared to previous years. Over a million cars were stolen in 2023, equating to one every 31 seconds. The NHTSA also shared eight ways American drivers can deter vehicle theft. Let’s review them.
Park in well-lit areas
If you have the option, leave your car in high-traffic zones that have decent lighting.
Close and lock all windows and doors when you park
Don’t make gaining entry to your car easy for a car thief.
Hide valuables
Better yet, remove them entirely.
Don’t leave keys in the vehicle
CBS shared a good example of why you shouldn’t do this after a man got into the wrong car, thinking it was his, and drove away. He soon realized there was a big dog in the backseat and turned around to return the car to its rightful owner.
Don’t leave a running vehicle unattended
Regardless of how brief your trip is, don’t hand an opportunistic thief a free pass.
If your vehicle has an immobilizer, use your key fob to lock your vehicle
Doing so will ensure the security and alarm features are fully engaged.
Don’t leave your keys in your vehicle when you fill up at the gas station
Again, opportunistic thieves target zones where folks might leave their cars open to theft. Gas stations are one of these targets.
Purchase an anti-theft system if the vehicle didn’t come equipped with one
If you live or work in an area where theft is a risk, consider equipping your car with aftermarket security features. This can include a steering wheel lock, for instance.
While many of these tips sound obvious, the NHTSA clearly shared them based on circumstances and situational factors wherein car theft most often occurs. If you have a habit of doing any of the above, realize that you’re increasing your chances of your car getting stolen. This is especially true if you own a used Kia, Hyundai, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, or Ford F-150. According to NHTSA data, these are the vehicles most often reported as stolen in the U.S.
