Auto Thefts Spike Amongst Pandemic-Fueled Rising Car Prices

This pandemic has been a real journey for all of us. A lot has changed since March 2020, including the fact that many car manufacturers couldn’t manufacture all of the parts that they have been on a regular basis. As a result, there has been a shortened supply of vehicles and massive surge in automobile prices, making it even more difficult for many individuals to buy a car.

Cars are a hotter commodity than they have been in the recent past.  Fewer cars are being made with people still buying cars on a regular basis, which has created a demand none of the likes we have not seen before. And, of course, when the demand goes up, so typically does the price.

This has caused an increase in stolen vehicles, with auto thefts up 18% in 2020, according to CNBC. Based on its initial study, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), estimated there were nearly 900,000 cars stolen in 2020, reversing a two-year downward trend of auto thefts.

Many criminals can see the profit margin in the sale of a car, whatever the year is. They can  turn around and sell that car and make hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars.

Used car sales are up almost 30% from a year ago, according to CNBC. Not only has the prices in new cars had a big spike, but so has the price of used cars. They are being sold at record highs.

Contributing factors to the rise in auto thefts include reduction or loss of juvenile outreach, economic downturn, increased prices of new and used cars, and vehicle resource limitations.

Auto Theft Prevention Tips

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your vehicle from being stolen. Here is a list of the five most effective ways of keeping your car (or items inside) safe.

1. Keep your vehicle locked — always. Unlocked vehicles are the easiest target. Always lock your car. Thieves will often walk down a street and test doors to see if they are unlocked. Don’t be the one car to be unlocked.
2. Take valuables out. If a thief sees a nice new laptop or skateboard in the car then they’re more likely to try and get in the vehicle. Hide these items or take them inside with you.
3. Use lights to your advantage. Park underneath a street light if you don’t have the luxury of parking in a garage. Criminals tend to go after the cars that are hidden by the dark of night.
4. Install an anti-theft system. This should include audible alarms and visible notice of your alarm system.
5. Buy steering column collars. This will immediately show thieves that it will be more difficult to steal your car than your neighbors. Brake locks are another visible deterrent against car theft.
6. Use a GPS tracking system. It is easier to track assets, including cars, now than ever before by installing GPS tracking for cars.
7. Install immobilizing devices. These devices prevent a would-be thief from bypassing the ignition and hot wiring a vehicle. Examples include fuel pump disablers, kill switches, wireless ignition authentication, and smart keys.

Be smart. At the end of the day we all need to make sure that we are using common sense when it comes to our vehicles. Thieves always go after the easiest option. Make it hard on them.

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