5 Signs Your Car Is Being Targeted By Thieves – BEWARE!

The fear of losing a vehicle or even car components becomes a mounting concern of drivers as theft using sophisticated “tricks” becomes more and more common. If you suspect or worry that your car is being targeted for theft or vandalism, there are several warning signs you can look out for. While these signs don’t guarantee that your car is being targeted, they may indicate a potential risk. Let’s find out 5 common signs your car is being targeted in this topic: 

Understanding Car Theft Trends: What Cars Are Stolen The Most?

Generally, certain car models have been more attractive to thieves due to factors such as their popularity, lack of effective security features, or the demand for their parts in the black market. While the specific rankings may vary, here are some general trends regarding the types of cars that have been commonly targeted for theft:

• Older models: Older vehicles tend to have less sophisticated security systems, making them easier targets for thieves. They may also lack modern anti-theft features that have become more prevalent in newer models.
• High-end luxury vehicles: Expensive luxury cars, such as BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, and Audis, have been popular targets for theft due to their high value and the demand for their parts.
• Trucks and SUVs: Pick-up trucks and SUVs are often stolen for various reasons. They can be used for joyriding, resale, or transporting stolen goods due to their larger cargo capacity.

Besides these thief trends, if you own one of the cars in this list below, be careful because they are prone to be stolen due to their popularity, reliability, and the high demand for their parts:

• Chevrolet Pickup
• GMC Pickup
• Ford Pickup
• Kia Optima
• Honda CR-V
• Hyundai Sonata
• Hyundai Elantra
• Honda Civic
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry

These are the top 10 popular stolen cars in the USA based on the vehicle theft statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). 

Don’t worry If your car is on this list, we will go through some signs to tell you that your car might been targeted by thieves or vandalism to protect the car from them: 

>> Related post: Why Are KIAs Easy To Steal: Interesting Facts to Know!

Common Signs Your Car Is Being Targeted By Thieves 

While you should note that these signs don’t automatically indicate that your car is being targeted by thieves, they could be potential indicators of suspicious activity. How to know if your car is being tracked? Stay tuned and find out: 

• Suspicious individuals

If you observe unfamiliar individuals or vehicles consistently monitoring or wandering near your car, especially in a way that appears suspicious or out of place, it could be a sign that thieves are targeting your vehicle.

• Tampering evidence

If you discover unexplained damage to your car, such as broken windows, damaged locks, or signs of forced entry, without any obvious cause like an accident or vandalism, it may indicate that thieves have attempted to or successfully gained access to your vehicle.

Additionally, If you find evidence of tampering or disabling of your car’s security features, such as cut wires, removed alarms, or disabled immobilizers, it could indicate that thieves are trying to circumvent your car’s protection mechanisms.

• Unusual electronic interference

Some car thieves use electronic devices to interfere with keyless entry systems or immobilizer systems. If you experience difficulties unlocking or starting your car, or if you notice unexpected interference when using your car’s remote key, it may be a sign that someone is targeting your vehicle.

• Missing or displaced items

If you notice that personal belongings or valuable items inside your car have gone missing or if you find signs of forced entry into the interior, it could indicate that someone targeted your vehicle with the intention of stealing or damaging its contents.

• Unusual interference with your car radio

This sign can potentially be a sign of criminal activity, but it is not necessarily a direct indication that your car is being targeted by thieves. Interference with the car radio can have various causes, including technical issues, environmental factors, or radio signal interference in the area. However, in some cases, thieves may use electronic devices to interfere with the radio signals in order to disrupt the car’s security systems.

Watch the video to learn how thieves get into your car and how to protect your car from them: 

How To Protect Your Car From Thieves?

Almost all modern cars are equipped with smart anti-theft protection features such as immobilizers that prevent the engine from starting without using the owner’s key. However, thieves are very skillful people and always come up with ideas to break anti-theft protection features on cars. In particular, car models with keyless entry systems are their favorites. So how to protect cars from theft?

Install GPS device

Although GPS navigation systems are quite expensive, installing this navigation system for cars is especially effective when used. Being able to determine the location of a stolen car via GPS will make it easier for police to find and solve crimes.

>> Read more: The Importance of GPS Technologies for the Automotive Industry

Parking tips

Experts say that drivers should keep their wheels facing the curb when parking. Because this little trick can make it difficult for thieves who want to steal your car. The above difficult parking method will partly cause thieves to give up their idea because it takes a lot of time and attracts attention to those around them.

Don’t make the opportunity for thieves 

Car thefts are becoming more and more popular, most often in public parking lots, gas stations, intersections, or locations near ATMs. To prevent theft, drivers should always remember to close the car windows, set the warning mode before leaving the car, even when paying at gas stations, and avoid parking in deserted places that don’t have cameras or security.

Install a tiny camera in your car 

This method will help you record events secretly, this will be evidence to protect your rights in many cases. When installing this compact tracking device, the owner can observe all developments in the car. You can even hear every sound going on in the car. Therefore, thieves will be hesitant to break into your car.

Lock the brake pedal 

Extremely simple and safe, locking the brake pedal helps drivers avoid having their vehicle stolen. The lock will be hooked to the brake or clutch pedal and the other end hooked to the steering wheel.