How to Theft-Proof Your Car (2023)

FAQs

How to Theft-Proof Your Car? ›

Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights, and window etching. Immobilizing-Type Devices: These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle's ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle.

Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights, and window etching. Immobilizing-Type Devices: These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle's ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle.

Make your car harder to steal by adding a steering wheel lock, tire lock, or brake lock—or all three. You can also install a hidden kill switch to confuse anyone who tries to steal your car. They're likely to give up when the car won't turn on.

Car thieves hate stickers

A somewhat surprising deterrent to car theft is stickers. Any obvious and identifiable stickers, paint, or markings on your car will make it easier for police to verify your car. So, if thieves try to make a stealthy getaway, it will make them stick out like a sore thumb.

Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving. Unlocked doors are easy targets. When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Ensure windows are fully closed to prevent a thief from trying to open the door from the inside.

Valuables: Thieves often target cars that have valuables visible inside, such as cash, electronics, and jewelry. Car parts: Certain car parts, like catalytic converters, are valuable on the black market and can be quickly and easily removed from a car.

An increasingly prevalent method employed by thieves involves the use of relay devices. In this approach, one thief aims the relay device at the front door of a residence, where proximity keys are often left. The device then transmits the key's signal to an accomplice near the driver's door of the vehicle.

Are steering wheel locks effective? Steering wheel locks are effective at deterring thieves who don't have a power drill. Given that any determined thief is likely to carry such a tool, a steering wheel lock is not a perfect anti-theft device.

Will aluminum foil block security tags? Yes, aluminum foil will block security tags. Therefore, it is often used to block sensors from catching signals sent by anti-theft devices. The primary reason is that several layers of aluminum foil can block radio signals.

What is passive anti-theft? ›

Passive and active anti-theft devices are the two options available when considering an anti-theft system. Passive devices automatically arm themselves when the vehicle is turned off, the ignition key removed, or a door is shut. No additional action is required.

“Security Cameras in Use” signs are fine, as are “Security System in Use” or even “Security Guard on Break” signs, whether you have these measures in place or not. But be very cautious about using signs that purport to be actual security company signage.

Wrapping your keys in this every-day household item will act as a barrier and ensure that the signal is not transmitted in a relay attack.

According to a study from CCC Information Services, silver cars are stolen more often than any other car color. This is most likely because it is such a neutral color and will be less likely to stand out and be seen in a crowd of vehicles. Generally, the more unique your car color is, the safer it will be from thieves.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, Teslas are among the least-stolen vehicles, with the Model S and Model X boasting a relative claim rate of 11 and 12 respectively (100 represents the average).

Stats. The Honda CR-V remains on our list of most stolen cars in America. From 12,309 thefts recorded in 2020, it now has 13,308 in 2021.

Sometimes thieves mark cars to steal and sell on for parts. They simply use a marker pen to mark the car. There are also reports of criminals pushing in wing-mirrors to further draw attention to the car. They might even try to gain access to the car if the driver gets out to readjust the mirror.

The issue lies in the fact that glove compartments more often simply conceal your belongings, rather than protecting them. If a thief is already rooting around inside your vehicle, the first area they choose to check will more often than not be the glove box.

Can someone steal your car with the VIN number? ›

The most common reasons for car registration theft include: Obtaining the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Gaining access to your VIN may help thieves register illegal vehicles. They could also file claims on totaled cars or even create duplicate car keys.

Thieves steal the car in mere seconds, and that's especially true given that about 52,244 units disappeared in a single year quite recently. This makes the Honda Accord the easiest car to break into, according to the numbers.

According to multiple class-action lawsuits filed last year, 2011-2021 model year Kias and Hyundais without immobilizers—identifiable by their keyed ignitions—are prime targets. Owners with push-button start needn't worry so much, as their vehicles came standard with this theft-prevention measure.

To prevent keyless car theft if you have a keyless entry car, we recommend storing your car key fob at night in a signal blocking pouch ( also known as a faraday pouch ) to stop your car key fob signal being received, also place your car keys far away from any doors and windows.

Key programming

Whether thieves use the relay technique, use a jamming device or simply break a window, once they're inside the car, those vehicles with a start button rather than an ignition key can be simple to steal.

How far can a keyless car drive without the key? Generally speaking, there's no limit to the distance a vehicle with keyless entry and start can go without the keyfob being in the car. The vehicle will often just beep without the key present.

Wheel locks only protect against the theft of tires, wheels, and rims. They do not protect against car theft. They are commonly confused with wheel chock locks and wheel lock clamps, which act as a tire “boot” to prevent vehicle theft.

Are Steering Locks Foolproof? No, not at all. In fact, most anti-theft devices are defeatable by the right thief with determination and knowledge. Aftermarket steering locks, or The Club, are no exception.

Wheels can be the most difficult item to secure on a car, but you can deter theft with wheel locks. These are lug nuts for your wheels that are keyed to a unique socket. Most cars already come with a set of wheel locks from the factory, and are easy to install yourself.

How do anti theft strips work? ›

The tag is a small “signal transmitter” that you put on the merchandise that you want to protect. The tag will signal to the EAS antennas to make them alarm if they come to close. E.g. if someone is trying to steal the item and take them through the exit without paying/removing the tag.

Stores have security cameras. And they also may have loss prevention employees looking for people stealing in the store. . The approach is different based on whether the area is high risk or not. It has to do with the demographics of the area and whether they experience many instances of shoplifting.

The icon for the anti-theft system looks like a car and a lock combination. When this light is on and flashing (it will be either or blue), it will indicate that your car's anti-theft system is activated.

Search for a small yellow sticker that says "LJK'' or "LoJack" in black letters on the registration that should be visible when you open your glove compartment. You can also look for it on a label next to the VIN on your car's door jamb, usually covered by a removable plastic cover.

To determine if your car has an immobilizer, check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website. Most vehicles built after 2000 have some form of an immobilizer. Additionally, look for an immobilizer symbol on your key fob or the dashboard.

They might not even prevent crime.

Research has shown(opens in a new tab) that surveillance of any form — including a Ring video camera — doesn't necessarily prevent crime. You know what does have research-backed proof of preventing crime? Dogs(opens in a new tab).

Here are some of the top things burglars look for when targeting homes. Single-family detached homes in the middle of the neighborhood (as opposed to corner units, which are less likely to be burglarized). Homes next to empty lots or without nearby neighbors. High privacy hedges, bushes, and walls around the property.

But does that sign in your front yard actually deter burglars? The answer is “yes” a security yard sign helps keep some burglars at bay. According to a study that surveyed 422 incarcerated burglars, security signs were the 9th most considered security measure. Which makes sense from a burglar's perspective.

All it says is aluminum foil can be used as an alternative to tape to cover doorknobs and hardware while painting. It has nothing to do with safety and the inclusion of the phrase "when you're home alone" was only used as clickbait to make the ad seem more important. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc.

Store your keys in a secure location in your home.

A good place to put your keys is on the kitchen table. The kitchen is usually located at the back of the home and is, therefore, one of the furthest points from your car. A tin/aluminum container will also block signals and can be used as an alternative.

What car colors to avoid? ›

MUARC's determination is that white is the safest vehicle color. Why? In all types of weather and lighting, the visibility of a white vehicle rates much higher, particularly at night. In fact, the study showed there is a 12 percent less chance of accident involvement in a white car than a black one.

Orange // 10.7 percent (-$3825) Purple // 13.9 percent (-$5461) The Car Colors With the Worst Resale Value Color // 3-Year Depreciation (Decrease From MSRP) Brown // 17.8 percent (-$7642) Gold...

Drivers living up to their vehicles' reputations.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most common model type among the rankings is the sports car: five of the ten car models with the most speeding tickets are sports cars. Luxury vehicles, compact cars, and one pickup truck make up the rest of the rankings.

An increasingly prevalent method employed by thieves involves the use of relay devices. In this approach, one thief aims the relay device at the front door of a residence, where proximity keys are often left. The device then transmits the key's signal to an accomplice near the driver's door of the vehicle.

Will a metal box block car key signals? Yes, storing your keys in a metal box will block the signal sent out from your keys and prevent thieves from exploiting it. These are often called Faraday boxes or signal blocking boxes.

Thieves steal the car in mere seconds, and that's especially true given that about 52,244 units disappeared in a single year quite recently. This makes the Honda Accord the easiest car to break into, according to the numbers.

Which is better steering lock or pedal lock? ›

For this reason, our money is firmly on the steering lock as the preferred, hassle-free theft-foiling device. And talking of money, they are generally cheaper than a pedal lock and much more readily available.

At least one company uses small, white, rectangular stickers to track which vehicles have already been photographed. These particular stickers are weatherproof and water-resistant meaning they would likely remain on the vehicle even after several washings.

Chop shops

Because the parts of a stolen car may be worth more than the vehicle, stolen vehicles often end up in a chop shop. In a chop shop, a mechanic takes the car apart and discards anything that carries your vehicle identification number (VIN), such as the engine or transmission.