Cars are often filled with valuable or tempting items that can make them prime targets for thieves. Whether you’re parked in a busy lot or on a quiet side street, it’s essential to be aware of the things in your car that could draw unwanted attention. Here’s a list of everyday items that could make your vehicle a target for theft.
Electronics
Items like smartphones, tablets, laptops, or even portable chargers left in plain sight can be irresistible to thieves. These electronics are not only valuable but easy to grab and resell. A thief knows that even an old phone could be sold quickly, so be sure to stash them out of sight before locking your car.
GPS Devices
Though built-in navigation systems are common in many newer cars, portable GPS units are still frequently targeted. They are valuable and often left on prominent display on dashboards or mounted on windshields. Removing the device and its mount completely, along with any visible cables, reduces the likelihood of it being stolen.
Purses and Wallets
It’s tempting to leave your purse or wallet on the passenger seat, but doing so is asking for trouble. Always take them with you or hide them in a locked compartment to keep them safe, even if you’re only out of your vehicle for a few minutes, for example to pump gas.
Bags and Backpacks
Whether it’s a gym bag, backpack, or diaper bag, any unattended bag in a car can be seen as a potential treasure trove. Bags often contain personal items like documents, keys, or even cash, making them appealing targets. If you must leave one in the car, hide it in the trunk or under the seat.
Shopping Bags
When you’ve just finished shopping, it’s easy to leave bags visible in your car. Thieves often see shopping bags as a signal of recent purchases, and they may be eager to grab them, especially if they’re from a designer brand. Always place shopping bags out of view, either in the trunk or under the seats.
Sunglasses
Designer sunglasses are an easy target for opportunistic thieves. Their small size makes them easy to steal, and their high resale value makes them appealing.
Never leave sunglasses on the dashboard or in the cup holder. Instead, store them in a compartment or a case to keep them safe from prying eyes.
Keys and Keychains
It may seem harmless to leave a keychain on the passenger seat or console, but car keys are one of the most valuable items a thief can steal. In addition to your car keys, many people leave house or office keys on their keychains, offering even more incentives for criminals. Always keep your keys on you or hidden from view.
Cash
Believe it or not, even loose change in your car can be an easy grab for a thief. Just a few dollars might tempt someone desperate for quick cash. If you tend to keep money in your car, stash it in a hidden compartment like the glove box or center console, where thieves are less likely to find it.
Tools
A toolbox or even individual tools left in your car can attract thieves, especially if they are expensive or high-demand items. Tools are easy to sell, and they can often be sold quickly for cash. Lock your toolbox or keep tools out of sight to reduce the risk of theft.
Luggage
If you’re traveling and leave your luggage in the car, it could catch the attention of someone looking for an easy target. Thieves may assume the luggage contains valuable items, such as electronics or clothes. When possible, take all your bags into your hotel or home and avoid leaving them in the car overnight.
Car Manuals and Registration Papers
While not obviously valuable, car manuals and registration papers left in your vehicle can be useful to thieves who plan to steal your car at a later date. These documents provide specific details about your vehicle and could be used to make a stolen car appear more legitimate. Always store these papers in a safe, concealed place.
Jackets and Coats
Outerwear like jackets or coats, especially designer brands, may be targeted by thieves looking for easy-to-grab valuables. They are often left on the passenger seat or backseat, making them highly visible. If you can, take your coat with you or hide it in the trunk to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Auto Parts and Accessories
Spare tires, jumper cables, and even the third-row seats found in SUVs can be attractive to thieves. These parts are always in demand and they can be easily sold on. Locking them in your car’s trunk or securing these items in your vehicle’s interior makes them much harder for thieves to access.
Firearms and Ammunition
Guns, ammunition, and other weapons left lying out in plain sight make your vehicle a target for serious thieves. In the US, a gun is stolen from a car every nine minutes. Always keep firearms in a secure, locked container within your car, or better yet, remove them entirely when not needed.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications can be a valuable target for thieves, especially if they’re narcotics or painkillers. These drugs are in high demand on the black market and can be easily resold. To avoid this, always take them with you or store them in a locked compartment when in your car.
Garage Door Openers
Leaving your garage door opener where it can be easily spotted can be an unintentional invitation for burglars to target your home as well. By following you home they’ll discover where you live, and then they can use the opener to gain entry to your garage and possibly even your home. Always remove garage door openers when you’re away from your vehicle, or store them securely out of sight.