Car thieves have a talent for spotting the good stuff in your car; whether that’s shiny car parts or a phone, you forget you left in there. But there are some things you can do to protect yourself. Here are 18 items that are the most popular things that thieves steal from cars.
Car Batteries
Even car batteries can be a hot item to steal, as they’re surprisingly easy to steal and packed with plenty of valuable metals. Thieves love them because they can turn a quick buck at a scrap yard or resell them to unsuspecting buyers. To keep your battery safe, ensure you keep your car locked and in a well-lit area.
Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters have plenty of precious metals like platinum and rhodium that fetch a pretty penny on the black market. You might be a prime target if you’ve got an older car, so you should stick to parking somewhere a little safer. Add some anti-theft devices to save yourself from waking up to a much lighter car.
Airbags
Airbags save lives, but they also attract thieves because they can sell them for some good money on the black market. Ironically, a device meant to keep you safe could actually put you at risk of theft, but there you go. If your car’s a popular model, the chances are even higher that someone wants to pop your airbags out.
Wheels and Tires
If you’re rolling on some fancy wheels, watch out because thieves find them irresistible, and they can swipe a set of wheels or even just the tires with the right tools. And once they’re off, these can be sold for a nice chunk of change, no questions asked. To make matters worse, it often takes just minutes for skilled thieves to jack up your ride and strip the wheels.
Smartphones and Tablets
Leaving your gadgets behind practically invites people to steal your stuff. Smartphones and tablets are some of the most tempting, as they’re pretty quick and easy for thieves looking into your parked car. These devices have a high resale value and also have personal data that criminals can use for identity theft. Always take your electronics with you.
Personal Documents
If your glove compartment has lots of personal documents in it, you’re giving a thief all they need to commit all kinds of crimes. It might not seem worth a lot at first glance, but the damage they can do with it can be massive. Thieves can use your identity to open credit lines or even commit crimes under your name.
Entertainment System
Thieves are interested in any sound systems you may have, as these can be worth a lot. All they need to do is pull them out and sell them to the highest bidder, which can happen quickly. You should consider upgrading your car alarm or getting a detachable faceplate you can take with you.
Sunglasses
Any designer shades you left on the dashboard could now be on someone else’s face. Sunglasses are an easy target for a smash-and-grab because they have a big price tag and come in a small package. They’re one of the easiest items to pawn off quickly, so always store them out of sight.
Wallets and Handbags
Leaving your wallet or purse behind, even just for a minute, is like putting out a welcome mat for thieves. These items are great finds for them because they’re usually filled with cash and cards, along with personal information they can use to steal your identity. Always keep your purse or wallet on you, or at least hidden and locked up tight.
Garage Door Openers
Thieves can use garage door openers to get right into where your car is stored and maybe even your house. Such a small device could lead to a much larger burglary, putting your home and safety at risk, so you should always take the garage remote with you. You could also integrate it into a system you can disable remotely.
Car Parts and Accessories
Whether it’s GPS units or special headlights, thieves are fair game for any and all car parts, even the smallest accessories. When burglars sell these parts off piece by piece, they can rack up a hefty sum. To avoid this, park in well-lit areas and buy a good car alarm or a tracking system.
Sports and Fitness Equipment
If you’re heading to the gym or the golf course, you should bring your equipment afterward. Sports equipment can be an easy way to make quick cash. You should unload your sports equipment rather than leave it in your car overnight or while you’re parked somewhere more remote.
Backpacks and Laptop Bags
While your backpack or laptop bag might not always have valuables inside, thieves won’t necessarily know that until they’ve taken it. Thieves will target these bags, hoping to find something expensive, like electronics or money. It’s best to take them with you or keep them hidden.
Baby Care Items
You might be surprised to know that high-end baby gear, like fancy strollers or car seats, can fetch a good price on the resale market. Even though you’ll need them for your day-to-day life, thieves don’t care. You must keep these baby items out of sight or take them with you when leaving the car.
Tools and Equipment
Any tools you have in your car might not be there when you get back, and power tools are especially popular for thieves. After all, they’re easy to sell and always in demand. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast because losing these tools can cause you all kinds of problems.
Key Fobs
Losing a key fob is a real hassle; if a thief gets a hold of it, they might return for your car next. You should always keep your key fob on you, or perhaps use a Faraday pouch that’ll disable the fob when it’s far from your car. You could also attach an AirTag or a similar device so that you’ll always know where it is.
Car Titles and Registration Documents
Thieves can use your car papers to forge ownership or even sell a stolen car, so keep them secure and away from your car if you can. Treat them like cash by putting them somewhere safe. You wouldn’t walk around giving your Social Security to anybody you meet, so why do the same thing with your car’s documents?
Parking Passes and Permits
Your parking pass or permit may just seem like a piece of paper, but to a thief, it’s something they can sell for good money. Losing it means you’ll lose your parking privileges, which could lead to fines or towing if your permit ends up in the wrong hands. Try taking it with you rather than leaving it for thieves to see it in your car.
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