Signs your car is being targeted

Leaving your car on your driveway or in a garage overnight, investing in some deterrents like a steering wheel lock or putting up an expensive security camera system should keep car thieves away, right?

Whether you own, lease, or rent while you're on vacation , a car is a pretty big expense in your life. And unfortunately, cars are often targeted by thieves. Some burglars might be seeking to steal any valuables you left inside your car. Others are after valuable parts of your car, or perhaps even the whole car itself! But there are things that you can do to deter potential thieves from targeting your vehicle.

Signs your car is being targeted

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. 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:. 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:. How to know if your car is being tracked? Stay tuned and find out:. 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. 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. Some car thieves use electronic devices to interfere with keyless entry systems or immobilizer systems. 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. 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. Watch the video to learn how thieves get into your car and how to protect your car from them:.

Do not leave your key fob next to your front door or window Store keys in an RFID signs your car is being targeted to stop a signal being emitted Park vehicle in a secure area to deter criminals targeting your vehicle. We've asked the experts to share the things burglars look for in cars, so you can better protect your property. 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.

Car theft is at its highest levels for almost a decade, with organised criminal gangs targeting high-value cars which they then ship overseas. This means that fewer and fewer stolen cars are ever recovered, and 9 in 10 cases of car theft now go unresolved by the police. Now, lots of new cars are fitted with keyless go, from high-end sports cars to affordable hatchbacks, like the Ford Fiesta. Criminals have developed ways to hack into the technology to steal cars remotely, without having to rely on smash-and-grab tactics. This method of car theft is incredibly quick, with a recent video showing a Mercedes-Benz being stolen in under 23 seconds — and all without a single alarm going off.

There are several indicators that can suggest your car may be a target for theft or vandalism. These include unusual damage, tampered locks, evidence of attempted break-ins, missing personal items from the vehicle and frequent sightings of unknown individuals around it. As car owners, we all share a common fear — having our beloved vehicles become targets for thieves or vandals. The thought of waking up to find our cars missing or vandalized can send chills down our spines. However, by being aware and vigilant, we can protect ourselves against such unfortunate incidents. In this essential guide, we will delve into the world of recognizing potential signs that your car may be targeted by criminals. By understanding these telltale hints and taking necessary precautions beforehand, you can minimize any chance of becoming a victim. While an occasional ding in crowded parking lots may occur naturally, multiple random marks could indicate malicious intent from someone targeting your vehicle intentionally. Witty Tip: Remember Sherlock Holmes?

Signs your car is being targeted

Winter weather is starting to hit most of the country. With that, some drivers might be tempted to warm up their vehicles before hitting the road. But starting your car, cranking up the heat, and going back inside your home could cost you. However, there is a solution. Remote starters that allow you to start the engine while keeping the vehicle safely locked up without the presence of a key or fob are usually considered a safe alternative. For example, if you start your vehicle and scrape off snow or ice from your windshield, you should be just fine. However, if you leave only for a minute, it could cost you a hefty fine in some areas of the nation. The NICB always warn s consumers about the dangers of leaving a vehicle unlocked and not taking the fob or key with them, but leaving the car running with a key or fob in the vehicle is a prime target for an opportunistic thief. Thousands of vehicles are stolen each year with the keys left inside.

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Your car radio has odd interference. Install GPS device Although GPS navigation systems are quite expensive, installing this navigation system for cars is especially effective when used. 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. This involves an attack on a driver with the aim of robbing the person, stealing the car, or both. Technological advancements mean criminals can now intercept and replicate the signal from the key fob that is used to open modern vehicles and start the ignition. Maintenance Tips. Be sure to scan all areas of your vehicle, including both inside and outside. Explore this Article Sections. Plant the tracker somewhere else if you want to confuse the stalker. Turn your car wheels into the curb A simple but effective trick is to turn your wheels into the curb or towards another vehicle.

Forest Park police say there have been six reported thefts of the vehicle brands since June The thefts are mostly of Kia models newer than and Hyundai models newer than , according to police. The theft of these vehicle brands seems to be part of a growing social media trend happening across the United States, police explained.

Yes, this is an obvious one, but you'd be surprised at how many people fall victim to car theft due to something as simple as leaving their door unlocked! OK Tell me more. Refresh and Inspire. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Although smart thieves can use technology to unlock your car without your knowledge, they still need access to the signal from your key fob before they can clone it. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. This involves an attack on a driver with the aim of robbing the person, stealing the car, or both. Avoid disconnecting anything so you still have evidence to present to authorities—but pay attention to any wires attached to your vehicle's battery, as they may lead to a GPS tracker. For more details on ways to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle, see below the brochure from the Belgian Ministry of the Interior entitled "What you ought to know before buying a secondhand vehicle". We've researched and compiled the best methods to tell if your car is being bugged—arm yourself with this important information to stay safe and secure. Any small compartment could be hiding a tracker or bug. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Install GPS device Although GPS navigation systems are quite expensive, installing this navigation system for cars is especially effective when used. Because this little trick can make it difficult for thieves who want to steal your car. Money-saving tips for motorists: How to save on your car insurance In the first part of our series on money-saving tips for motorists and cyclists, we….