10 Easiest Cars to Steal, How to Prevent?

As a car owner, you should know how to prevent your car from being stolen. You should be aware of the tactics and tips to prevent stealing and vandalism.

In this article, we will discuss the easiest cards to steal to give you a better idea of the security measures you need to take. We will share the statistics of places where high theft is reported so that you can be extra careful. We will also explain how you can prevent your cards from being stolen.

What Cars are the Easiest to Steal?

NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) released a report, Imports Top List for America’s Most Stolen Vehicles, in May 2024.

According to the report, sedans have broken the years-old record of full-size pickup in the list of stolen vehicles. Kia and Hyundai vehicles had the highest theft rates in 2023.

Hyundai Elantra tops the list with 48,445 thefts, the second is Hyundai Sonata with 42,813 thefts, and the third position is secured by Kia Optima with 30,204 thefts. Then, we have the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Kia Soul, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Ford F150 Series Pickup, and Kia Sportage on the list. The last one, Kia Sportage, had 15,749 thefts in 2023.

According to NICB, these vehicles have the highest theft rate. The reason could be that they are easy to steal, high in demand, readily available, etc.

Where is the Highest Rate of Auto Theft?

NICB released another report, Vehicle Thefts Surge Nationwide 2023, in April 2024 to understand the high auto theft rates in the US states.

According to the report, the total number of vehicle thefts in 2023 was 1,020,729. The highest number of thefts were reported in California, and it is about 208,668 vehicles. Then, we have Texas, with 115,013 vehicles. The third position is taken by Florida, with 46,213 thefts.

After these three positions, we have Washington, Illinois, Colorado, New York, Ohio, Georgia, and Missouri.

If you live in any of these states or are visiting them, make sure to implement some security measures. You have to protect your car on your own to prevent theft and vandalism.

Why Cars are Easy to Be Stolen?

There are multiple reasons that some cars are easily stolen.

• Keyless entry of cars is extremely vulnerable. Thieves can easily bypass the safety and unlock the car through hacking.
• If the car is parked in any dark area, it becomes easy for the thieves to break into it. They can break the door and ignition lock and start the car.
• Old car models do not have robust locks and other safety features. They are easier to steal.
• Sometimes, people forget to lock their cars properly. They could leave any door unlocked or any window open. It invites thieves to steal the car.
• Some vehicles that have high resale value or demand are targeted by thieves. They are more susceptible to theft. If you own any of the car models we have shared above, be more vigilant.

How to Prevent Cars Being Stolen?

Consider the following tips and security measures to prevent cars from being stolen.

Use a Security Camera

A security camera can prevent theft and offer extra security to your car. You can install a camera in the parking area, garage, or driveway. It will keep you updated, record the face of the thief, and assist in finding the car.

Reolink Argus 4 Pro is an excellent option for car security. It is a Wi-Fi 6 security camera that offers a lag-free live preview of your car anytime, anywhere. It has enhanced smart detection, which can detect the movement of persons and vehicles within 180⁰field of view. You receive accurate real-time alerts on your devices.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra is another good camera for car security. This camera not only offers True 4K resolution but also features pan and tilt functionality, allowing you to monitor a much larger area around your vehicle. With its 20000mAh battery, it delivers long-lasting performance, and Wi-Fi 6 technology ensures stable, high-speed connections, even in crowded network environments.

In case of any suspicious activity, you can act immediately. Both camera work on Reolink ColorX technology that captures colored videos all day. Even at night and in low light conditions, you get optimal clarity and true colors. You can clearly see the face of the thief and the license plates of the vehicles.

Park at a Suitable Location

Make sure to park at a suitable location which is well-lit. Don’t park in the dark, and there should be other cars and people around. If you don’t feel comfortable parking at the location, trust your gut feelings and park somewhere else.

Lock Doors and Close Windows

Lock all doors of the car. After locking, ensure the door is perfectly locked. Sometimes, the doors remained open due to the malfunctioning of the lock or remote. Moreover, if your card does not have central locking, lock every door and check it after locking. Close all windows completely. Even if you leave a little space, thieves can open the glass easily.

Do Not Leave Valuable Items

There should be no valuable items inside the car. If anything is visible from the windows or windscreen, it’s an invitation to thieves. They can break the glass and steal valuable items.

Use Aftermarket Locks

For extra security, you can use aftermarket locks. There are locks available for steering, brake pedal, gear, wheel, etc. Select a suitable lock for your car and use it to prevent theft.

Use GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker can help you locate your car when it’s lost. You can find where your car is and act immediately. It also helps police to recover the car quickly.

FAQs

1. Are keyless cars easier to steal?

Yes, keyless cars are easier to steal if thieves know how to hack the signal and bypass the keyless entry system.

2. Which type of vehicle is most likely to be stolen?

According to the NICB release, sedans were at the top of the 2023 theft list. The reason is usually the high resale value, high demand for parts, etc.

3. Which cars are the hardest to steal?

Cars with aftermarket safety locks and protection kits, such as handle locks, brake locks, immobilizers, GPS trackers, and dashcams, are the hardest to steal. Otherwise, any car can be stolen.

4. What is the least likely car to get stolen?

Cars that do not have a high demand in the black market, have low-priced parts and are old are least likely to get stolen.

Conclusion

Car theft in the US has increased by 1% in 2023 compared to 2022. Sedans, especially Kia and Hyundai cars, are at the top of the list. We have shared the car models that are favorite targets of thieves so that you can be extra careful. If you live in California and other states where the theft rate is high, consider safety and security measures. We have shared some tips and tactics that might help you prevent theft and vandalism.