Vehicle Crime: Why It Matters and How to Protect Yourself

Vehicle theft and related crimes don’t occur in a vacuum they vary depending on location, time, and opportunity. Whether you're parked on a busy city street or in a quiet suburban driveway, understanding your risk and how to reduce it is essential.

In many ways, vehicle crime feels like a game of “whack-a-mole” as law enforcement cracks down on one type of theft, another emerges in its place. While carjacking and vehicle theft get the headlines, several lesser-known crimes can pose just as much of a threat.

Some Vehicle Crimes You Should Know About:

Handle Flipping
Thieves roam neighborhoods at night, flipping car door handles to find unlocked vehicles. This can happen anywhere from crowded downtowns to quiet cul-de-sacs. They may act alone or in groups and can strike the same area multiple times.

Unlocked cars often contain valuables, garage door openers, or house keys, creating not just a risk of theft but of home intrusion. In some cases, they may even steal the car itself.

Predictable Patterns = Prime Targets
If your routine is predictable, so are the opportunities for criminals. They know when you’re going to the gym, heading into the office, or spending a few hours at the mall.

They're counting on you to leave valuables behind such as phones, bags, laptops, or even to leave the vehicle unlocked. Always hide anything that might tempt a thief, vary your parking spot when possible, and choose well-lit areas with cameras or foot traffic.

Why Should I Care?

Vehicle crime affects more than just the person targeted:

• Your personal safety is at risk, especially in forceful vehicle theft or carjacking situations.
• Stolen vehicles are often used in more serious crimes, including burglaries and assaults.
• Sensitive information such as your mail, work documents, or registration can make you vulnerable to identity theft or home break-ins.
• We all shoulder the costs through higher insurance premiums and growing concerns about community safety.

What Can I Do?

Protecting yourself and your community starts with simple, consistent actions:

• Always lock your car and take your key. It sounds obvious, but many thefts happen because of unlocked doors and keys left behind.
• Remove all valuables from your vehicle. If you must leave something, keep it out of sight.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Park in safe, well-lit areas and look out for suspicious behavior.
• Vary your routines and parking locations when possible.

The Bottom Line

Vehicle crime isn’t just about stolen cars it’s about safety, privacy, and peace of mind. Don’t give thieves an easy opportunity. Stay alert, protect your property, and help keep your community safe.