More than one million motor vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That's one vehicle stolen every 32 seconds. 

Vehicle theft is often performed by organized crime rings that look for vehicles to resell, ship overseas for sale on the black market, or strip for parts at a chop shop. Meanwhile, auto theft victims pay nearly $6.4 billion per year, due to higher insurance premiums, replacement costs and repair fees. 

What Can You Do to Prevent Auto Theft?

You can prevent or deter vehicle theft with a few simple steps, which may save you thousands of dollars. The following tips can help make your vehicle more difficult to steal and less attractive to thieves. 

Lock Up

• An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. LOCK UP WHENEVER YOU LEAVE YOUR CAR, AND TAKE THE KEYS WITH YOU.
• Lock the trunk and/or tailgate.
• Close all windows—professional thieves have tools that help unlock cars through a minimum of open space.
• When you park the car, remove all valuable possessions from the car. Do not leave gift-wrapped packages or cameras lying on the seat of your car. 

Park Carefully

• Avoid leaving an auto unattended in public parking lots for an extended period of time. A car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot.
• If possible, park your car in a lot where you don’t have to leave your keys.
• Never attach a tag with your name and address to your key ring. If the keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead the thief directly to your car—and your home. If you have to leave your keys with a parking attendant, only leave the ignition key.
• At night, park in well-lighted areas with pedestrian traffic.
• Whenever possible, turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking, making it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.
• Be sure vent or wind-wing windows are shut tight. These are a favorite means of entry for car thieves.
• Install a residential surveillance camera outside your home. Make sure your camera has a clear view of your driveway/vehicle. 

Mark Your Valuables

• With an electric engraver, etch your California Driver’s License number preceded by the letters “CA” on removable items.
• Record your vehicle identification number (located on a small metal plate on the dashboard of newer cars) and store it in a safe place.
• Consider placing a tracking device in your vehicle. 

Use Anti-Theft Devices

• When buying a car, check the manufacturer’s list of anti-theft options, such as interior hood and trunk releases, locking steering columns and others. 
• Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as:
  • Steering wheel lock.
  • Interior hood lock and release.
  • A second ignition switch or “killswitch” which prevents electrical current from reaching coil distributor.
  • A fuel switch which prevents fuel from reaching the carburetor.
  • A locking gas cap. Locking devices for batteries, wheels, decks, etc.
  • An alarm device which will activate a siren, horn or lights—or all three—to frighten the thief away before he is able to steal your car.