Car theft is a prevalent criminal activity, and one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the theft of car parts. Vehicles are often targeted for specific components that can be lucrative in the black market. From high-demand items like catalytic converters to easily removable accessories, the illicit trade in stolen car parts is a thriving underground industry. Here, we’ll reveal the most commonly stolen car parts, exploring the reasons behind their desirability and what you can do to stop it.
Wheels and Tires
High-end wheels and rims can fetch a significant price on the black market. Thieves may steal them for quick cash. With the right equipment, thieves can steal your wheels in a matter of minutes. However, by turning your wheels at a 45-degree angle when parking, you can make their job a lot more difficult.
Tailgates
As difficult as it may be to believe, there’s been a surge in stolen tailgates on trucks, especially on models like the Tacoma, which features a more easily removable tailgate. Thieves can fetch hundreds of dollars for these tailgates by selling them online or at a scrapyard. With that said, you can also put a lock on your tailgate to deter criminals from getting this commonly stolen car part.
Batteries
As anyone who has changed their own car battery knows, it’s a fairly simple process to remove a car battery. That makes car batteries a prime target for criminals. And provided they can get under your hood, your battery is one of the most vulnerable components. To help deter thieves, it is recommended that you install a small window alarm under your vehicle’s hood that sets off when it vibrates.
Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are another one of the most commonly stolen car parts. They contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, making them prime targets for thieves seeking to profit from scrap metal or resale. To deter thieves, it is advisable to etch your VIN number on the converter and protect yourself with adequate insurance, as a stolen converter can cost well over $1,000 to replace.
Airbags
Believe it or not, steering wheel airbags can fetch a decent price on the black market, so even those may be subject to theft. It’s recommended that you purchase a steering wheel lock, just like the ones your parents used.
Third-Row Seats
Many SUVs feature third-row seats that can be easily removed. They aren’t quite locked in, like the second and front-row seats, which is why they are one of the most commonly stolen car parts. To prevent this, you may consider purchasing a bicycle lock to keep them tethered down.
Registration
Cunning thieves might go as far as to steal your identity, which they can do if they steal your registration. With your registration, thieves will have access to your personal information and your VIN, which they can use to register a stolen vehicle or get a duplicate key made. For these reasons, you may not want to keep a printed registration in your glovebox.
Garage Door Openers
If you keep a garage door opener in your car and they also have knowledge of your address, thieves can get access to your garage and all the belongings inside. Don’t keep your garage door opener in the car.
Car Stereos
While this has become less of a problem in recent years due to advancements in technology, older vehicles may still be subject to thefts of this nature. Car stereos that are more easily removable hold a lot of value, making them desirable for criminals.
License Plates
License plates may be stolen and used on unregistered vehicles. You can protect your plates by purchasing and installing security screws in place of the regular run-of-the-mill screws.
GPS Systems
Again, while it may not be a problem for vehicles using a pre-installed GPS system, those using a peripheral GPS system may be subject to theft. Like audio systems, they hold a lot of value.
Personal Belongings
A general rule when it comes to personal belongings: don’t leave anything in the car you can’t live without. Anything, whether that be a purse, wallet, jewelry, phone, or anything of that nature, may be stolen. If you do keep anything of value in your car, at least keep it out of sight.
Even if thieves may not easily drive off with your vehicle, it’s still vulnerable to theft. The expensive components of your vehicle may be exceedingly valuable to a criminal. Protect your car and give yourself some peace of mind with the right car insurance policy.
