The Insurance Information Institute reports that over 1 million vehicles were stolen in the U.S. last year, which is 1% higher than in 2022.
Such statistics will hit harder if you were one of the victims. But even if you’ve managed to avoid inclusion on the vehicles-stolen list, there’s a risk of having things stolen from your car.
Here’s a look at the top 15 items most likely to be stolen from your ride.
Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converter thefts across the U.S. skyrocketed by almost 900% between 2019 and 2023. While a new one can cost north of $2,500, a stolen one can command $20 to $250 on the black market. If a thief separates your car from its catalytic converter, it’ll be a costly replacement.
GPS Devices
GPS units, particularly the portable ones that can attach to the windshield or dashboard, are easy to steal. If a thief wants the GPS unit and has the opportunity, it’s as good as gone. That’s one reason to keep valuables hidden when stored in the car.
Rims and Tires
According to one source, an average of 950 sets of wheels are stolen daily from U.S. households. If someone misappropriates your rims and tires, you aren’t going anywhere until you get replacements. You can imagine the hassle and hit to the wallet that’ll cause.
Vehicle Registrations
Did you know that 33% of Americans have faced identity theft at some point? That’s one in three people, which is a scary thought. Criminals can commit this fraud in many ways, such as by stealing other people’s vehicle registration documents. Instead of leaving yours in the glove box, keep it with you. Your wallet or purse is a better place for this document.
Third Row Seats
Many families want vehicles with three rows of seats. Criminals often try to meet this demand by stealing the third row of seats from SUVs, minivans, and crossovers. They can resell them for a profit.
Portable Electronic Devices
Thieves love it when drivers leave their portable electronic devices in plain sight. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, CD players, digital assistants, and digital cameras are desirable. If traveling with portable electronic devices, hide them in the trunk or center console. Criminals can easily steal, conceal, and resell these items for a quick buck.
Money
If you think no one would ever stoop so low as to steal spare change, think again. Thieves who access your car will take anything that isn’t fastened down. And, if they have the will and sufficient time, they’ll unfasten or break free anything fastened down too. Keep money in your wallet or purse — not in your vehicle.
Groceries
Eight in 10 Americans say grocery costs have noticeably risen since the global pandemic began. And they’re right, since prices went up 25%. While the pandemic is over, people still struggle with the price hikes. If you do groceries, put the bags in the back seat, and then head off to another appointment, an opportunist might help themselves.
Garage Door Openers
Garage door openers in the wrong hands can be dangerous. If a thief accesses your car, they could use the garage door opener to enter the garage. They could even access your home from the door leading from the garage to your residence.
Truck Tailgates
According to Statista, light trucks accounted for around 79.9% of the approximately 15.5 million light vehicles sold in the country in 2023. So, light trucks are popular. But so, too, are tailgates. Tailgates make truck beds more useful, and thieves love to steal and resell them for a profit.
License Plates
Car thieves also place a premium on license plates. When driving uninsured vehicles, thieves can use other people’s license plates to reduce the odds of detection. Of course, they’ll be in trouble if the license plates are reported stolen and police officers happen to spot them.
Airbags
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about 50,000 airbags, worth over $50 million, are stolen annually. Airbags are a hot commodity on the illegal market for stolen car parts. A thief who knows what they’re doing can quickly take yours.
Car Batteries
While a car battery isn’t worth much on the black market, it’s relatively easy to steal. A thief will try to maximize their effort by taking as many things as they can resell.
Credit Cards
Leaving credit cards in your vehicle is a big mistake. All it takes is one successful vehicle break-in for a thief to access the credit cards and leave you with a hefty bill for purchases you didn’t authorize. Keep credit cards on your person. Don’t store them in your vehicle.
Wallets and Purses
Your car isn’t the right place to store your wallet or purse. It’s one thing if you have these things with you while in the car. But it’s another thing if you keep a wallet or purse in the vehicle when you’re elsewhere. If someone steals your car with your wallet or purse in there, there’s no telling how much trouble you might find yourself in. They could take your stuff and commit ID theft, spend your money, or rack up credit card charges.
Protect Your Stuff By Protecting Your Car
How can you avoid being a victim? While a determined thief will pull out all the stops to steal a car, you can at least reduce your risks. When not using the vehicle, lock the windows and doors. You should also equip your vehicle with anti-theft technology and an alarm system. By taking precautions, you can stop thieves in their tracks.
More From Driver’s Drift
15 Unnecessary Car Services That Are Just a Money Trap
15 Common Lies Car Salespeople Tell to Close the Deal
15 Common Tire Brands That Don’t Deliver on Quality
Heading to the Car Wash? Here are 14 Mistakes You’re Making
