How Thieves Are Stealing the Chevrolet Silverado so Quickly
The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular vehicles in the country and has been for many years. Things have changed a lot in recent decades, with pickup trucks becoming more popular, more expensive, and more impressive than ever. As the Chevy Silverado 1500 becomes more alluring to buyers, it also becomes a bigger target for potential thievery. But how are thieves stealing the Chevy Silverado so quickly?
Car thieves target the Chevrolet Silverado
People used to think that only expensive or luxurious cars are the targets of car thieves. In recent years, however, more and more thieves are targeting trucks. After all, today’s trucks are more expensive than ever and loaded to the brim with technology and amenities.
As it turns out, some trucks may be easier to steal than others. And Chevy Silverado models are being stolen at a rapid rate.
As reported by USA Today, a study performed by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDL) compiled car theft data from the years 2016-2018 to gauge “the frequency of theft” of certain vehicle models. And while newer vehicles would assumably be harder to steal than older ones, newer vehicles also produce a bigger payday for thieves.
The HLDL’s study found that out of the top 20 most-stolen vehicles, Chevy Silverado models took up three spots. This makes the Silverado one of the most frequently stolen vehicles in America.
Even the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) latest annual report, which highlights certain car-theft statistics, found that out of the 750,000 vehicles stolen in 2018, 31,566 of those were Chevy Silverado pickups.
According to Car and Driver, the NICB also found that Chevy pickups were thieves’ favorite choice in 13 states. So why do thieves seem to target the Silverado, and how are they getting away with it?
How Chevrolet Silverado thieves are getting away so quickly
There are a few obvious reasons why a thief may target your vehicle, such as it being unlocked or something of value left within eyesight. But when it comes to the Chevrolet Silverado, what’s supposed to be protecting the truck from thievery may be what’s making it a target.
Today’s vehicles are equipped with a variety of technological features that are meant to prevent vehicle theft. But as time has gone on, thieves are responding with high-tech tools of their own.
With Silverado thefts on the rise, the evidence is starting to stack up, and commonalities are beginning to form. Many owners are gathering online to find other victims with similar experiences.
Thieves are using their own technology to hack into the Chevy Silverado’s OnStar application, allowing them a quick and easy getaway.
According to NBC News, one theft victim claims that within three minutes, thieves “were able to pop the lock, pop the hood, change the computer, disable OnStar, and steal my truck.” It seems thieves are using the Silverado’s own technology against it.
According to Police One, “thieves have caught up” and can use easily-found electronic hacking tools at their disposal, requiring “less ‘talent'” than you’d think. And though Chevrolet and OnStar have given no indication of understanding how this is happening, thieves are beginning to hack Silverado models at an alarming rate.
Preventing Silverado truck theft: tips, tricks, and advice
There are a few easy ways to help protect your Chevy Silverado model from thieves. For example, park in an area that’s frequently bustling with pedestrians and traffic. Thieves may target vehicles that are in vacant parking lots and back streets.
Also, park in a well-lit area, making it more difficult for criminals to be sneaky. Being visible is a significant deterrent. Using surveillance cameras is another way to protect your vehicle.
You can purchase after-market security systems as well. But most importantly, don’t keep valuable items in your truck, and always remember to lock your doors. Say tuned for updates as General Motors works to increase security.
