Top 9 Targets for Car Thieves and How to Protect Your Ride

Whether you’re cruising around in a shiny new ride or rolling in your trusty old clunker from the early 2000s, there’s one thing you’ve gotta watch out for—thieves. It's not just whole cars they're after; certain parts and personal items are hot on their hit list too. Here's a rundown of the top nine things they eye, plus some savvy tips to keep you from becoming their next victim.

1. Tires and Wheels: Those new tires and wheels you splurged on? Thieves know their worth too. Armed with the right tools, it only takes minutes for them to swipe your wheels. Yep, a spokesperson from the National Insurance Crime Bureau let slip that rims can vanish before you know it. And since they're tricky to track, selling them is a breeze for the bad guys.

Anti-Theft Tip: Wheel locks are your friends here. Also, park close to the curb and angle those wheels sharply if you're on the street—it's a tougher grab for any thief.

2. Tailgates: It sounds bizarre, but tailgates are a thief’s delight, especially in some truck models like the Toyota Tacoma that are super easy to remove.

Anti-Theft Tip: A solid tailgate lock can put a stop to these shenanigans.

3. Batteries: Ever swapped your car battery? Then you know it's pretty easy to do. And so do thieves. If they can pop your hood, consider your battery as good as gone.

Anti-Theft Tip: Throw on some security cables and a padlock, or maybe slap a vibrating window alarm under the hood—it'll kick off a racket if tampered with.

4. Catalytic Converters: Start your car and hear a horrendous noise? That might be because your catalytic converter has just been pinched. Thieves make a pretty penny off the metals inside, which recyclers pay good money for.

Anti-Theft Tip: Look into securing your converter with a special device, and maybe get some etching done for easier tracking.

5. Airbags: Quick and lucrative to sell, airbags are a major target.

Anti-Theft Tip: General anti-theft practices help, but consider a steering wheel lock to safeguard your driver’s side airbag.

6. Third Row Seats: Love rearranging your SUV’s seating? Thieves do too—they can easily snatch those flexible back row seats.

Anti-Theft Tip: Lock ‘em up with a bicycle chain or remove them when not in use.

7. Registration: Identity theft alert! Crafty thieves might grab your car’s registration for a chance at more sinister scams.

Anti-Theft Tip: Keep digital copies on your phone and paper copies on your person, not in your car.

8. Garage Door Openers: Lifted your garage door opener? That’s an easy in for thieves, leading them right to your doorstep.

Anti-Theft Tip: Keep it out of the car. If they don’t know where you live, they can’t use it against you.

9. Other Items of Value: Electronics, personal info, and accessories—anything of value left in your car could be up for grabs.

Anti-Theft Tip: Always take valuables with you or hide them well. Thieves even use Bluetooth scanners now, so don’t make it easy for them.

Best Ways To Prevent Car Theft: Park in bright, busy areas when possible. Lock your car always. Hide or take valuables with you. Consider window tinting (but check your local laws first).

What About Insurance? Wondering if insurance covers theft? Well, liability won’t help with theft, but comprehensive coverage usually covers stolen parts (not personal items though, unless you’ve got home or renters insurance). Remember, you’ll likely have a deductible, but it could be a lifesaver.