21 Reasons Your Car Could Be a Thief’s Target and How to Protect It

Think your car is safe? Thieves might be eyeing it right now. Here’s why certain vehicles are more likely to be stolen—and what you can do to protect yours.

1. Popular Cars Are Big Targets

If your car is popular, it’s more likely to be stolen. Thieves target widely-owned vehicles like the Honda Civic and Honda Accord because their parts are in high demand. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), these models top the list of most stolen cars every year.

2. Driving an Older Car? You’re at Risk

If your car is older, it lacks the modern security features that newer models have. Without electronic immobilizers, older vehicles can be stolen in minutes with basic tools. The NICB reports that pre-2000 models are often targeted due to their lack of advanced anti-theft systems.

3. Your Car’s Parts Might Be More Valuable Than You Think

Certain cars are prime targets because their parts are easy to sell. Models like the Toyota Camry and Ford F-150 are frequently stripped for their valuable components, including engines and airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that these parts fetch high prices on the black market.

4. Weak Locks Are a Green Light for Thieves

If your car has poor locking mechanisms, it’s a thief’s dream. Older models, especially from the 1990s, can be unlocked with simple tools. Criminals know this, making cars with weak locks far more vulnerable to theft.

5. Keyless Entry Systems Can Be a Risk

If your car has a keyless entry system, you might think it’s secure—but thieves can exploit it. Using relay attacks, they can intercept your key fob’s signal and unlock your car without setting off any alarms. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, luxury cars with keyless entry are increasingly targeted.

6. Own a High-Performance Car? You’re a Target

Sports cars and high-performance vehicles attract thieves because of their resale value and appeal for joyriding. Models like the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Camaro are frequent targets, often stolen for illegal street racing. FBI data shows that high-performance vehicles are often taken for their thrill factor.

7. Parking in a Bad Spot? Thieves Notice

Where you park matters. Cars left in poorly lit, unsecured areas are easy targets. Urban areas like those in California and New York, with limited parking security, see some of the highest theft rates, according to the NHTSA.

8. Easy Resale Means High Theft Risk

Certain cars are easier to resell without proper paperwork, making them more attractive to thieves. Older, less expensive models are often sold for parts or driven illegally. The NICB highlights that vehicles with less strict resale requirements are frequently targeted.

9. Luxury Cars Lure Professional Thieves

If you drive a luxury car, be aware that professional thieves are watching. Models like the Audi A8 and Lexus RX are often stolen by organized crime rings and shipped overseas for quick resale. The NICB reports that high-end cars are frequently targeted for their global market value.

10. Alarms That Don’t Work Are Just for Show

If your car’s alarm system is outdated or poorly maintained, thieves won’t hesitate. They can quickly disable it, leaving your car vulnerable. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) emphasizes that visible but malfunctioning alarms are just invitations to steal.

11. SUVs and Trucks Are Easy for Catalytic Converter Thieves

If you drive an SUV or truck, your catalytic converter might be a target. These vehicles sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to steal the valuable components. Catalytic converter thefts increased by over 325% from 2019 to 2021, according to the NICB.

12. Budget Cars Lack Security Features

If you own a budget car like a Kia Soul or Chevy Spark, you’re at risk. These models often lack advanced anti-theft technology, making them easier targets. Budget cars are frequently stolen due to their lack of security features like immobilizers or GPS tracking.

13. Leaving Your Keys Inside? Bad Move

You’d be surprised how many cars are stolen with the keys left inside. Nearly 25% of vehicle thefts involve keys left in the car, according to the NHTSA. Don’t make it easy for thieves—always take your keys with you.

14. Expensive Parts Make Your Car a Target

Cars with costly replacement parts are attractive to thieves looking to strip them down. Luxury vehicles and rare models often have expensive components that fetch high prices on the black market. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that high repair costs make these cars prime targets.

15. Older Pickup Trucks Are Easy to Steal

If you drive an older pickup truck, your vehicle is especially vulnerable. Models like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado from the 1990s and 2000s are often stolen because they’re easy to hot-wire. The NHTSA reports that these trucks are among the most stolen vehicles in the country.

16. Weak Windows and Locks Make for Easy Entry

Cars with weak windows and locks are easy to break into, and thieves know which models have these weaknesses. Older vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Caravan are particularly susceptible, making them prime targets for theft.

17. Your State’s Regulations Might Not Help You

Living in a state with lax anti-theft regulations? You’re at a higher risk. States like Alaska and New Mexico have some of the highest per capita vehicle theft rates due to less stringent laws, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program.

18. Joyriders Love High-Performance Cars

If you drive a high-speed vehicle like a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Corvette, joyriders might have their eye on it. Younger thieves often steal these cars for a joyride, making them frequent targets. The UCR reports that joyriding remains a common reason for theft, especially for high-performance models.

Don’t Make Your Car an Easy Target

If you own one of these high-risk vehicles, take steps to protect it. Install better security systems, park in secure locations, and never leave your keys in the car. By staying vigilant, you can keep your car safe from thieves looking for an easy score.

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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.