Car Theft Statistics to Consider 

Thieves Don’t Target Luxury Vehicles as Often as Most People Assume

A lot of drivers assume car thieves will pass over their 90’s Honda hatchback in favor of the BMW, Lexus or Tesla Roadster in the parking space down the aisle. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case. In fact, car models that are the highest target for theft are Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Ford trucks, Chevy trucks and Toyota Camry. These vehicles are less flashy and more common on the roads, which makes it more difficult for police to locate the cars after theft occurs. Also, lower priced vehicles will probably sell faster. Don’t think the car needs to be a new model either, the winner of the “Car Most Likely to be Stolen at the Grocery Store” award is….a 1997 Honda Accord (50,427 were stolen in 2016). 

You’re More Likely to Get Your Car Stolen on August 1st than on Christmas Eve

Many people panic around the holiday season, assuming criminals want to steal their vehicle for extra Christmas cash. However, the National Insurance Crime Bureau analyzed the number of reported car thefts during major holidays in 2016. The results showed the day with the highest number of car jackings was August 1st, totaling 2,840. By contrast Christmas Eve thefts settled in at 2,054. Perhaps surprisingly, the top four holidays’ most likely to have your car stolen is Halloween, Labor Day, New Year’s Day and Memorial Day. 

What Can You Do to Protect Your Cars? 

If seeing such statistics makes you a little paranoid, don’t worry. There are many simple ways that you can avoid becoming a victim of car theft. The first step is to make sure you have a quality alarm and transponder key system. Car’s with manual locks are much more susceptible to becoming a target. Now that the technology is available for the masses, prices for hardware and installation are significantly less than they were just a few years ago. Another important tip is to avoid leaving your car running. It’s common for people to leave their cars or trucks running while dashing into the convenient store – but this provides the perfect opportunity for an observant thief to take off down the road with your favorite car. Lock your doors, trunk and windows every time you leave your car unattended and make sure you choose parking spaces that are in high traffic areas and are well lit. When possible, park near a guardrail, wall or other obstacle to avoid having your car towed away. It’s also a good idea to get your VIN number etched in your windows and other components, because this may deter criminals who want to steal a car that’s easier to sell. 

Do You Need a Lock or Security Upgrade for Your Car in Atlanta, GA? Call Top Atlanta Locksmith 

Are you ready for a new lock installation, transponder system upgrade or other security related locksmith service? Call the professionals at Top Atlanta Locksmith today. Our team of highly trained, experienced mobile technicians are ready to put their tools to work for you. All it takes is one call, and our Atlanta locksmiths will come to your location and help you get the protection you need. Contact our office for more information about our services or to schedule a convenient appointment with a mobile locksmith in Atlanta, Georgia or a surrounding metro area neighborhood.