It’s a startling and aggravating experience to walk back to your parked car and find something is missing. Whether it is an entire vehicle or just a single component, car-related theft continues to impact thousands of drivers every year. While some localities have seen decreases in the number of vehicles stolen, hundreds of thousands of vehicles are still stolen each year and the responsibility of protecting your vehicle remains a critical one for all car owners.

While some criminals may only be interested in the vehicle itself, others will want to steal smaller items that can be easily removed and sold for quick cash. Modern cars are high-dollar vehicles, loaded with advanced technology, and with valuable parts. Nothing is ordinary looking when it comes to the parts that are going to sell well for the resale business. Even the more mundane parts can be great sellers when it comes to the resale business, like catalytic converters, wheels, electronic mirrors and hidden sensors.

Many of these thefts, if not all of them, can be prevented with simple precautions and awareness. Parking in safe spots, utilizing security devices, and steering clear of practices that invite unwanted regard can substantially lessen the danger. One of the best ways to protect your vehicle and contents from thieves is to know what they are most likely to steal from you.

1. Catalytic Converters

Catalytic Converters have been one of the most frequently stolen vehicle parts for decades. The valuable precious metals found in these parts platinum, palladium, and rhodium are highly sought-after by thieves looking for hot laundry. These have been extremely valuable in the market and it is easy for criminals to make substantial amounts of money from selling a stolen converter.

Why Catalytic Converters are Targeted:

• The valuable precious metal content.
• Access under vehicles is easy.
• Quick removal using tools.
• The risk level for SUVs is higher.
• Strong demand from the resale market.

It’s easier to steal the converter from under a vehicle with high clearance, such as a truck or an SUV. With simple tools, it can be easy to remove the part within minutes before it attracts any attention, making it easy for experienced criminals to do so. Car owners can install a catalytic converter shield, an anti-theft device, or mark the part with identification information to provide added protection. Secure garages, well-lit spaces or cameras watching the parking area also help minimize the risk of theft.

2. Wheels and Tires

Wheels and tires are important parts that are often stolen and are easy to remove and sell to those seeking replacement wheels and tires. It is easy to understand why luxury and high performance vehicles’ wheels are so appealing, especially for their high price tags and popularity in the second-hand market.

There are several common reasons for wheels being stolen, including:

• Luxury wheel designs that are costly.
• Equipment to remove the material quickly.
• Strong second-hand demand.
• Easily accessible short-term theft opportunities.
• A high replacement cost value.

In a very short time a thief armed with the right tools can remove all four wheels. Overnight parked cars in remote locations are at higher risk because there are more opportunities for the crime to be completed without interruption. Locking lug nuts (Vehicular Style) can make wheel theft very challenging. No security solution is 100% effective, but the longer it takes and the more challenges it presents, the more likely thieves will go for a softer target.

3. Car Batteries

While traditional auto batteries might be cheap, they are easy to remove from vehicles, making thieves want to steal them. The criminals tend to pick off several batteries in the same place, and the gains from batteries they steal are greater. Criminals often target multiple vehicles in a single area, collecting several batteries to increase the financial reward from their theft.

Theft risk factors for batteries:

• Easy and rapid extraction.
• Two or more vehicles attacked simultaneously.
• Valuable hybrid battery systems.
• Easily accessible battery locations.
• Only some protection measures were provided for security.

Normal batteries are generally not as profitable, but if they are not properly secured they can be removed in a matter of a few moments. The value of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries is much higher, but are typically more complex to access. Adding a battery lock bracket will add an extra level of protection. Criminals typically look for the most convenient target and even minor deterrents can make an easy car target a much more difficult one.

4. Truck Tailgates

Many truck owners don’t know that tailgates can be a favorite spot for thieves. Unfortunately, the ease of easy tailgate removal means that owners have the opportunity to have their tailgate parts stolen as well. There are many reasons to appreciate tailgates. The convenience of easy tailgate removal for owners unfortunately creates an opportunity for criminals who can remove these components quickly.

Electronic technology built-in:

• High replacement part prices.
• More demand for parts.
• Cameras and sensor equipment.
• Quick and easy removal process.
• Strong resale value on the black market.

Many modern tailgates feature sophisticated components, such as backup cameras, electronic systems and special designs that render them expensive to replace. They are equipped with some high-tech features that enhances their value and make them sought after on the black market. Having a separate tailgate lock and parking at a secure spot will significantly minimize the risk of theft. These preventative measures make the removal of the tailgate more complicated and deter criminals from trying to remove the tailgate.

5. Airbags

Airbags are important safety equipment, but also have a major market value in the black market. Every year thousands of airbags are stolen because they can be sold as replacement parts to cars in accidents or for car repairs. Airbags are essential safety components, but they also have significant value in illegal markets. Thousands of airbags are stolen annually because they can be resold as replacement parts for vehicles involved in accidents or repairs.

Why Airbags Attract Thieves:

• High re-sale value on the black market.
• Quick disembarkation from cars.
• Great cost of replacement.
• Areas where parking is commonplace.
• There may be further interior damage possibilities.

Vehicles parked on streets, public parking lots or isolated areas are often a favorite for criminals to target, because they can operate without attracting attention. An airbag removal may result in damage to the steering wheel, dashboard or other interior parts around the car, which will add to the repair costs. Locking the vehicle and parking in secure areas will help minimise this risk. Steering wheel locks and similar devices can also make it more difficult to access the driver’s airbag and make a theft attempt less attractive.

6. License Plates

Vehicle owners may face significant trouble if their license plates are stolen since there’s the possibility it could be used to cover the plates of another vehicle, to evade tolls, or to link innocent owners to illegal use of the vehicle. Standard license plate screws can easily be removed, making it easy for thieves to steal a license plate in a matter of seconds.

The reasons for common license plate theft risks:

• Used for illegal activities.
• Easy to remove quickly and easily.
• Unlawfully evading tolls.
• The improper use of vehicle identification.
• Leaves legal issues for causes owner.

Some drivers don’t realize their license plate is missing until they get back into their cars or get traffic tickets for accidents they were not responsible for. This can lead to undue stress and extra measures taken to clear the problem up. This is a cost-effective and effective solution to replace the regular screws with security tamper-resistant screws. Because these specialized screws need special tools to remove them, criminals have a much greater chance of being discouraged from stealing them and the process is far more difficult.

7. Side Mirrors

Today, side mirrors have evolved into sophisticated car parts, which include technologies including blind-spot monitoring, cameras, heating and electronic adjustment. The features make them much more costly than conventional mirrors and make them more attractive to thieves.

The advanced built-in electronics features include the following:

• Costly replacements and repairs.
• Contains cameras and sensors.
• Items of high dollar replacement.
• Easy access for vehicles.
• High demand for replacement parts.

Side mirror replacement can be expensive, sometimes in the thousands of dollars, because of the high-tech components that are incorporated into the side mirror. This makes their mirrors desirable for thieves on the black market. Drivers can help minimize risk by folding power mirrors away when parking and parking in well-monitored, secure areas. Mirror guards for the vehicle can also help protect against potential theft attempts.

8. Third-Row Seats

Some large SUV owners might not realize that the third row seats can be appealing targets for thieves. The seats are designed to make life easier for the driver and make space for cargo, but it also makes it easy for criminals to get them off and running. Owners of large SUVs may not realize that removable third-row seats can be attractive targets for thieves. These seats are designed for easy removal to increase cargo space, but this convenience also allows criminals to remove them quickly.

Why do people steal seats in the third row:

• Easy removal from SUVs.
• High cost manufacturer replacement seats.
• High demand for second hand goods.
• Provides a valuable resale opportunity.
• Easy access when in the vehicle.

Manufacturers’ replacement seats can cost thousands of dollars. This makes seats being stolen attractive to those who wish to purchase seats at cheaper rates. It can be done by using a physical lock, strong cable, or any other securing device that prevents easy removal and deters criminal activity. Avoiding the convenience of a large expenditure of seats may be well worth it.

9. Badges and Emblems

It’s been a long time that vehicle badges and emblems are being stolen, it is a traditional practice of taking the badges or emblems as souvenirs or vandalism. But today the badges have become more significant as some now come with high-tech sensors and systems that are integrated into driver-assistance technologies.

There are features that are valuable behind the emblems:

• The operation of hidden electronic sensor systems.
• High costs of technology replacement.
• Advanced driver-assistance components.
• Small parts with value.
• A great place for thieves to go.

If any emblem becomes lost, the replacement might be a costly job it might have valuable technology in it, not just decoration. This change has increased the value of some vehicle badges far beyond what some vehicle owners realize. While protection of these components can be challenging, opportunities for theft should be minimised. Parking areas in garages, lighting and surveillance measures can be used to deter criminals.

10. Items of Value Left in Plain Sight

Many criminals will have a hard time finding a better way to rob a vehicle than by stealing a driver’s personal belongings that are easily visible in the vehicle. Phones, bags, wallets, sunglasses, laptops, and other items can tempt a burglar to smash a window and look for something he can steal.

Here are some of the common items that thieves look for when stealing:

• Phones and electronics are visible.
• Wallets and valuable bags.
• Using personal devices at the same time as laptops.
• Cash and valuable papers.
• Small expensive accessories.

The criminals may not know if there are valuable items in the bag or container, but enough to provide a reason to risk it on locating money, electronics or personal information. Keeping the interior of the vehicle neat, without things lying around, is one of the best methods of preventing theft. When items cannot be removed from the vehicle, it is best to put them in the trunk or a locked compartment before you arrive at a destination.