Signs your car is being targeted

Last Updated: December 5, Fact Checked.

Whether you own, lease, or rent while you're on vacation , a car is a pretty big expense in your life. And unfortunately, cars are often targeted by thieves. Some burglars might be seeking to steal any valuables you left inside your car. Others are after valuable parts of your car, or perhaps even the whole car itself! But there are things that you can do to deter potential thieves from targeting your vehicle. We've asked the experts to share the things burglars look for in cars, so you can better protect your property.

Signs your car is being targeted

If you suspect or worry that your car is being targeted for theft or vandalism, there are several warning signs you can look out for. Generally, certain car models have been more attractive to thieves due to factors such as their popularity, lack of effective security features, or the demand for their parts in the black market. While the specific rankings may vary, here are some general trends regarding the types of cars that have been commonly targeted for theft:. Besides these thief trends, if you own one of the cars in this list below, be careful because they are prone to be stolen due to their popularity, reliability, and the high demand for their parts:. How to know if your car is being tracked? Stay tuned and find out:. If you observe unfamiliar individuals or vehicles consistently monitoring or wandering near your car, especially in a way that appears suspicious or out of place, it could be a sign that thieves are targeting your vehicle. If you discover unexplained damage to your car, such as broken windows, damaged locks, or signs of forced entry, without any obvious cause like an accident or vandalism, it may indicate that thieves have attempted to or successfully gained access to your vehicle. Some car thieves use electronic devices to interfere with keyless entry systems or immobilizer systems. If you notice that personal belongings or valuable items inside your car have gone missing or if you find signs of forced entry into the interior, it could indicate that someone targeted your vehicle with the intention of stealing or damaging its contents. This sign can potentially be a sign of criminal activity, but it is not necessarily a direct indication that your car is being targeted by thieves.

If you observe unfamiliar individuals or vehicles consistently monitoring or wandering near your car, especially in a way that appears suspicious or out of place, it could be a sign that thieves are targeting your vehicle. Refresh and Inspire. Interference with the car radio can have various causes, including technical issues, environmental factors, or radio signal interference in the area.

Technological advancements mean criminals can now intercept and replicate the signal from the key fob that is used to open modern vehicles and start the ignition. They can do this if they are near your home, allowing them to steal the vehicle in a matter of minutes. Another way that criminals exploit the key fob is during the process of locking the vehicle. The criminal can then easily steal the contents inside the vehicle, or the vehicle itself. Carjacking is a major issue in certain regions of the world. This involves an attack on a driver with the aim of robbing the person, stealing the car, or both. For more details on ways to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle, see below the brochure from the Belgian Ministry of the Interior entitled "What you ought to know before buying a secondhand vehicle".

Forest Park police say there have been six reported thefts of the vehicle brands since June The thefts are mostly of Kia models newer than and Hyundai models newer than , according to police. The theft of these vehicle brands seems to be part of a growing social media trend happening across the United States, police explained. The thefts reported in Forest Park since June 21 have happened at varying locations, but police said three vehicles were stolen from large apartment complexes during the overnight hours. Perkins says his Hyundai was stolen from his Clifton apartment complex sometime Monday night or early Tuesday. If you own a or newer model Kia or a or newer model Hyundai, police recommend the following steps be taken:. Call the Forest Park Police Department at if you have information regarding the six vehicle thefts.

Signs your car is being targeted

Winter weather is starting to hit most of the country. With that, some drivers might be tempted to warm up their vehicles before hitting the road. But starting your car, cranking up the heat, and going back inside your home could cost you. However, there is a solution. Remote starters that allow you to start the engine while keeping the vehicle safely locked up without the presence of a key or fob are usually considered a safe alternative. For example, if you start your vehicle and scrape off snow or ice from your windshield, you should be just fine.

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If a thief is going to attempt to steal your vehicle, you should make them clearly visible to the world. Inspect both the interior and the exterior of your car for tracking devices. By Tsukasa Azuma. Our site uses cookies to ensure technical functionality, gather statistics and enable sharing on social media platforms. And unfortunately, cars are often targeted by thieves. More References 6. Presented by Beautyrest. Yes No. You Might Also Like. High-end luxury vehicles: Expensive luxury cars, such as BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, and Audis, have been popular targets for theft due to their high value and the demand for their parts. It therefore stands to follow that expensive car models will get more attention from criminals than cheaper models," says David Brewer, founder of UK-based insurance brokerage Protect Line. Install a tiny camera in your car This method will help you record events secretly, this will be evidence to protect your rights in many cases.

Last Updated: December 5, Fact Checked.

If you're in a position of authority, check if information has been leaked. Shop driveway security. Last Updated: December 5, Fact Checked. Be careful sharing sensitive information in your vehicle. Interference with the car radio can have various causes, including technical issues, environmental factors, or radio signal interference in the area. Related posts. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Being able to determine the location of a stolen car via GPS will make it easier for police to find and solve crimes. What you ought to know before buying a secondhand vehicle. Unusual interference with your car radio This sign can potentially be a sign of criminal activity, but it is not necessarily a direct indication that your car is being targeted by thieves. Leaving something expensive like a phone, laptop, or camera in your car is a huge no-no—even if you're just running into a store for a few minutes. Listen for volume changes, popping noises, buzzes, static, or radio interference since these are all audible signs that your car may be bugged. Shop dash cams. Download Article Signs your words and actions are being followed and strategies to protect yourself and your peace of mind.