10 Smart Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Car Theft

Car theft is an expensive and frustrating experience that no one wants to face. Sadly, it’s a crime that continues to be an issue across much of the world. The good news is that there are plenty of simple, effective steps that car owners can take to lower their chances of being a target. Here are 10 practical tips we’ve compiled that could save you a lot of trouble!

Be strategic about where you park

Where you choose to park is important. If you need to park in public, try to choose areas that are well-lit, near security cameras, or that are in areas with high traffic. Where possible, try not to leave your car in unknown areas, particularly overnight. When parking in your garage at home, always ensure it’s locked up safely.

Always lock your vehicle

This might seem like an obvious point, but a large number of thefts happen from someone leaving their car unlocked and unattended. In fact, according to CarExpert, 83% of car theft offences in the Australian state of Victoria showed no signs of forced entry. Even if your car is out of your sight for a moment, it’s a good idea to lock it.

Consider a visual deterrent

If a thief sees a physical barrier present on your car, it could be the difference between them trying to take your car and them skipping over it. These could include gear shift locks and steering wheel locks. Often, car criminals are opportunists looking for easy targets, so making your car a less appealing target can go a long way.

Secure your keys and fobs

Thieves don’t need to break a window or pick a lock if they have access to your keys or fob! Keep your keys out of sight of any windows at home, including on visible entryway tables or key hooks. On top of this, don’t leave your keys in the car, even if only leaving the vehicle for a moment. Opportunistic thieves often rely on these split-second lapses.

Understand which cars are more likely to be targets

It seems that not all cars are targeted equally! According to research from Compare the Market, the Hyundai Elantra was the most-targeted car in America in 2023, followed closely by the Hyundai Sonata in second place. This shows that even popular, modern vehicles can be stolen. Those that own commonly targeted models may wish to be extra proactive and add layered security to their vehicle.

Keep valuables out of sight

Even if a person isn’t planning on taking your car, seeing a phone, laptop, or handbag may be the motivation they need to break in. Where possible, try to keep your valuables with you when leaving the car. If this isn’t an option, hide them well, ideally before you reach your destination, so that would-be thieves don’t see.

While it’s difficult to ever fully prevent car theft, you can do things to lower your chances of becoming a target. Combining old-fashioned common sense with new technology and awareness of your surroundings gives you a good shot at reducing your risk.