In UK, approximately 61343 cars were stolen in 2024. Even though this is 6% less than the stats of previous years, it is still the third highest in the past ten years. This is why everyone wants to know how to protect cars.
After reading this article you will know how to prevent car theft. We also explained vehicle safety in case you park it on the driveway.
How To Stop Car Theft?
How to prevent your car from being stolen? Theft is a common threat to each vehicle user from cycle to luxury vehicles. So, there are many ways to save your cars from thieves. Some of them require additional devices that you have to connect with cars. But some of them are related to common sense and your attention. Some of these ways are given below;
Car Theft Prevention Devices / Anti Theft Lock System
There are many devices available in the market that are used to stop unauthorized access. For instance, OBD port locks, brake & clutch locks or clamp locks. You should buy these tools according to your need or vehicle requirement. They can prevent your car from thieves. For example: as a parking manager, you can place parking locks to make your parking lot safe for everyone.
Anti Theft Car Camera
You find it inside the cabin or near the dashboard. Some models sit near the windshield. This camera watches your car when you park it. If someone tries to break in, the camera records the scene. It may send an alert to your phone. Some systems also store video as proof.
Remove Vehicle Fuse to Prevent Theft
In this way, you have to remove a fuse for the fuel pump or ignition. Your car then fails to start. If a thief turns the key nothing will happen. Basically, this method adds an extra layer of safety. Moreover, it costs you nothing. This technique works mainly for older cars.
Steering Wheel Lock Prevent Theft
A steering wheel lock prevents theft by blocking wheel movement. You place the lock across your steering wheel. After that the wheel fails to turn. In case, a thief enters your car and tries to drive. He will see the lock and stop. It also acts as a strong visual warning.
Vehicle Immobilizer Systems
This system uses a special chip inside your key. In this way, your car reads the chip code. If the code does not match, the engine remains off. If the thief breaks the lock. They still fail to drive your car. The engine stays dead. You get strong security with this system. Most modern vehicles already use this system as a built in feature.
Anti Theft Car Cover
An anti theft car cover protects your parked vehicle. Basically, it covers the full body. It hides your car from view. This cover comes with a lock or steel cable. You can fix it with the wheel or body. A thief finds it hard to remove. It also protects from dust, rain, and sun. You get two benefits in one product. This option suits long parking areas. Your car stays safe and clean.
Car Anti Theft GPS Tracking (Anti Theft Car Tracker)
Car anti theft GPS tracking uses a small device to protect your car. It shows the car location at all times. When you have GPS tracking, you know where your car is even after theft. Most car owners trust GPS tracking to recover stolen vehicles fastly.
Hiding Phone in Vehicles
This is a basic theft prevention step. In this way, you keep an extra phone or tab in the car out of sight. For this, you never place the phone on the seat or dashboard. You put it in the glove box or center console.
Some people hide it under the seat. This habit reduces break-in risk. If your vehicle is stolen from the site then you may track it easily. Actually, mostly thieves damage the tracker of cars so this works as an extra layer of security.
Anti Theft Wheel Bolts
Anti theft wheel bolts are used to secure the wheels of the cars that are more common. You see them on alloy wheels and spare wheels. These bolts lock or lug nuts keep the wheel in place. Basically, their aim is to stop easy removal of wheels. Each bolt has a special key design. Therefore, without that specific key design, it is impossible to remove or move a wheel.
Wrapping Car Keys in Aluminum Foil
In this method, you have to wrap your key in foil when you park the car. This foil blocks the key signal. A thief fails to copy or boost the signal. This is why your car stays locked. This method works well with smart keys. It costs nothing for you and takes a few seconds.
Anti Theft Wheel Boot
When it comes to anti theft wheel boot, they are strong wheel locking devices. You just fix them on one wheel of your car. This boot blocks wheel movement. Now, your vehicle fails to move from its spot. When a thief tries to drive, the wheel will not move. You often see wheel boots in parking areas. It gives high security for long parking.
VIN Etching In All Windows
VIN etching in all windows is a theft deterrent method. Actually, your car’s unique VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is engraved on every glass part. This mark stays permanent and clear. That’s why the stolen windows become hard to sell. So, thieves avoid cars with etched glass.
Car Theft Alarm System
A car theft alarm system protects your car from unauthorized access. It is more effective compared to basic locks or keys. When someone tries to break in, the alarm triggers a loud sound. Further, it alerts people nearby and scares thieves away. Some advanced systems also notify your phone and may include features like motion detection or engine immobilizer.
Kill Switch to Prevent Car Theft or Hidden Kill Switch For Car
You can buy a kill switch to prevent vehicle theft. Actually, it is a hidden device in your car. it stops the engine from starting without the switch activated. This method is useful if you park in unsafe areas or leave your car for long periods. Well, its installation costs vary by car and system type. On average, you may pay $50 to $150 to install a professional kill switch.
How To Prevent Car Theft With Keyless Entry?
It means you want to learn how to protect a car from theft that opens without a traditional key. For this you use simple safety steps. For example: you take your key fob in a faraday bag (a special pouch that blocks signals) or metal box. This blocks the key signal.
Furthermore, you place the key away from doors and windows. You also double‑check that your car locks properly. That means your vehicle stays secure at home and outside. Many drivers also trust wheel locks as a strong physical barrier.
Which Keyless Cars Are Most Stolen?
There are a large number of keyless car models that are stolen. Because thieves use signal relay attacks to trick the car. But according to a vehicle theft report of 2023:
- Hyundai Elantra: This car is one of the top stolen keyless models in the US with a number of 48445 stolen vehicles. Thieves often target it because of its keyless entry and push-start system.
- Hyundai Sonata: Another popular model that comes in second position for 42813 thefts. Its keyless system created a high risk of theft for this car.
- Kia Optima and Kia Soul: Often seen on keyless theft lists due to push-start systems.
- Chevrolet Silverado: Reports show it is frequently stolen, especially with keyless entry features.
- Honda Accord: A commonly stolen car especially older models. The reason is high demand for its parts.
- Honda Civic: Another victim of keyless theft. Its popularity or fame makes it a target.
How To Prevent Car From Being Stolen From Driveway
If you park your vehicle in the driveway (on the path toward your house) you should follow safety steps. Actually, your car can be stolen from this place also. Therefore, you keep these steps in mind.
- Lock doors, windows, sunroof and double‑check before you sleep. Because 44% of theft happens due to unlocked doors or windows.
- Park close to your house and under lights like near street lights, neighbors lights or bollard lights.
- Make sure that you have installed parking bollards on the end or starting points of the driveway.
- You must keep your car keys away from doors and windows.
- Stop your car under the surveillance of cameras if possible.
Common Signs Your Car is Being Targeted
There are many signs that a thief leaves when he tries to steal your vehicle. For instance: you notice scratch marks around the door handle or locks. You may see unfamiliar people near the car for a long time.
Moreover, unusual items like small wires or tape on windows or locks can appear. Your car alarm may trigger for no reason. That means someone might be testing security. Some other signs may include tire marks close to your vehicle or disturbed items inside the car.
Our Advice
Hence, you will be finally able to secure your car from thieves. Make sure you double check each security layer. In addition, you should focus on advanced technologies and anti theft devices. Because thieves found many ways to break devices or systems with time.
FAQs
How to Find a Stolen Car?
You may find a stolen vehicle by acting fast and smart. First of all, confirm that your car is really stolen. Sometimes, it gets towed for illegal parking. Next, call the police right away. And give the car details like plate number, color, location and model. If your car has GPS tracking then check its live location. You can also ask nearby shops or homes for CCTV footage.
Can a Non Keyless Car be Stolen?
Yes, a non keyless car can be stolen. Well, it is less risky than keyless cars, but theft is still possible. Thieves may break the lock or connect the wires. Hence, these cars do not face relay attacks. That gives them better basic safety.
How Do I Know if My Car has VIN Etching?
For this you have to check the windows or look closely at the glass on doors, windshield & rear windows. Usually, the VIN number is small but it is permanently engraved. So, it may be on the corner of the glass or near the edges. If you can’t see it then check your vehicle papers or ask the dealer.
Where are Most Stolen Cars Found?
In the UK, Most stolen cars end up in different places. Many are re‑sold or stripped for parts. These cars often move to foreign markets. For example: Thieves ship them to the Middle East & Africa.
Furthermore, countries like Canada and the UK are common shipping points. On the other hand, hot‑wired or key‑cloned cars are sold locally. You often find them in high‑theft US cities like Milwaukee.
See Also:
The Ultimate Guide to Stopping Parking Space Theft With Parking Locks
