Car theft remains a big problem in the U.S. According to the NHTSA, there were over 850,000 vehicle thefts in 2024 alone. That’s one vehicle every 37 seconds. It’s not just the vehicles themselves people are after, as many bandits are looking for wheels, catalytic converters, phones, and other components and accessories. Having one or more theft prevention systems on a vehicle can help reduce the risk of theft and improve recovery rates if a vehicle is stolen.
As someone who has been a victim of theft (the GPS navigation system was stolen from my first car), I take it seriously and want others to do the same. There are four main types of car theft prevention systems to consider, which can be used alone or in tandem with other systems. In this review, we’ll look at how these systems work and offer other advice on keeping crooks away.
Vehicle Trackers and Recovery Systems
A tracking system is a way to trace your vehicle’s location in real time using GPS, cellular, and even FM radio signals. The data goes to a central server, and if unauthorized vehicle movement is detected, the system will alert you and/or law enforcement.
OnStar from GM is arguably the most famous factory-installed tracking and recovery system. Other automakers have their own systems, including Toyota Safety Connect, Jeep Connect, and BMW Assist. Vehicle owners can also install aftermarket locator systems such as LoJack, Zoombak, and Mopar EVTS. Some trackers offer more advanced features, such as remote engine disablement or alerts when the vehicle is in certain areas.
The biggest downside to tracking systems is that they don’t help prevent the initial theft, so someone can still have possession of your car, even for a short time. From a technical standpoint, the signal might not be received in areas with poor cellular and GPS coverage, such as remote regions or tunnels. Experienced carjackers have also learned how to bypass tracking systems or jam signals. Finally, there are legitimate concerns regarding the invasion of privacy from constant location monitoring.
Car Alarms
As such, many people want an active way to prevent theft. The most common method is a car alarm system. Almost every new vehicle sold today has some type of alarm system that activates a loud siren, honks the horn, and/or flashes lights when it detects unauthorized entry. Aftermarket systems can be added to older vehicles.
Although they look good on paper, these systems are less effective than you might like because of all the “false positives.” Admit it, if someone accidentally sets their car alarm off in a parking lot, you try your best to ignore it. Unfortunately, thieves ignore them, too, or have learned how to quickly bypass the alarm. False positives also leave people desensitized to when an actual theft is taking place.
In cases of random, opportunistic thievery, a car alarm might help. But when your theft-prevention system is essentially background noise in an urban area, it’s hard to trust it as reliable. However, if an alarm system is paired with real-time alerts and notifications, it becomes a more viable option.
Vehicle Immobilization
What if you could physically prevent anyone other than you from starting and driving your vehicle? There are several ways you can immobilize a car when you’re not at the wheel. A kill switch lets you cut power so the vehicle doesn’t start, whether by disabling the fuel pump, starter, or another unit. This requires some technical know-how to install, and you’ll have to remember to re-enable the engine each time.
An electronic immobilizer allows only specified keys or fobs to unlock the vehicle and start the engine by matching a transponder code. These are often combined with Faraday bags and digital keys, making it harder for criminals to replicate your key’s signal.
Adding a wheel lock clamp, sometimes called a Denver boot, physically prevents the vehicle from being driven. You can also clamp locks on the steering wheel, pedals, and brakes. They’re more time-consuming than other methods, and since wheel locks are commonly used by law enforcement, private use may be frowned upon in your area.
Visible Deterrents
Thieves prefer an easy target, and sometimes, something visibly announcing that your car is protected is enough to scare them off. Some of the methods I’ve already discussed, like wheel and steering locks, double as visible deterrents. Having a sticker on your car stating that an immobilizer or other security system is present may also help.
As for other visible theft prevention methods, a dash cam is one of the best options. Many dash cameras automatically start recording when they sense movement nearby or when someone opens the car door. Would-be thieves also know this and are more likely to steer clear. Some people might consider getting the vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into all the windows. Many thieves steal vehicles to sell them or their parts, but because VINs are traceable, a thief would have to go through the time and expense of replacing all the glass first. You can get the etching done by a shop or buy a DIY kit.
Other Ways to Reduce Car Theft
A theft prevention system helps, but it’s not the only thing you can or should do to hinder burglars. If the vehicle doesn’t automatically lock, remember to manually lock all your doors, and close the windows and trunk. In my case, my GPS was stolen when I accidentally left the car unlocked overnight while parked on the street. I’ve never made that mistake again.
When parking in public, try to find spaces that are well-lit and have heavy foot traffic. Thieves are less willing to strike if they’re more likely to be seen. Try to avoid leaving valuables in your car that might tempt thieves, such as personal electronics, musical instruments, and jewelry. If you must leave these items in the car, keep them in a concealed area, whether that’s the trunk, glove box, center console, or under the seat.
Don’t leave the keys in the ignition, and never leave your car running when it’s unattended. You might think you’ll only be a minute, but a minute is all it takes. Believe it or not, some people still place a spare key under the car, which is practically an invitation to a heist.
Consider a car with a lower theft rate as your primary vehicle. According to the most recent IIHS data, the Chevy Camaro, Acura TLX, GMC Sierra HD, Dodge Durango, and Land Rover Range Rover are some of the most frequent marks. EVs and luxury cars dominate the list of least-stolen vehicles, but there are plenty of everyday options like the Ford Explorer, Subaru Crosstrek, and Mini Cooper.
Watch Out for Your Vehicle’s Safety
There are many options to help prevent vehicle theft. Since no single system is foolproof, my recommendation is that, if you can afford it, use multiple methods to increase your success rate. For example, combine a tracking and recovery system with VIN etching, or a car alarm with a kill switch. If you can’t afford multiple systems, choose the one that best fits your situation and budget, as something is better than nothing. By implementing a theft-prevention system and being diligent about parking and key tracking, you’ll be more proactive than most and thus never be an easy car theft target.