Was your neighbor’s car stolen? If you don’t want to be the next victim, find hidden clues that could indicate that your car is a target for thieves.
In this blog, we cover everything you need to know—the what, why, where, and how—about the signs that thieves are targeting your car!
Stay with us until the end, when we’ll introduce a dynamic 3-layer security plan to help you protect your vehicle and reduce the theft risk.
Let’s begin!
What are the signs thieves are targeting your car?
- Suspicious behavior.
- Unusual markings.
- Tempered locks or wires.
- Missing car parts.
- “Slider “technique.
- Neighborhood vehicle theft patterns.
- Unfamiliar vehicles.
- Security system alerts.
- Missing items.
- Adjusted wing mirrors.
- Tyre punctures.
Suspicious behavior:
If you see individuals lingering suspiciously, inspecting, or looking under your car or a neighbor’s, or spending too much time watching nearby properties, it could signal potential criminal activity. These are key red flags!
If they are repeatedly looking at homes or taking photos, this is an alarming situation and you should call the police.
Unusual markings:
A marked car indicates that thieves have thoroughly inspected your vehicle and left a secret code on the window, door, or windshield, signaling their intent to return for the car or its parts!
These secret markings are hidden messages for the thieves or their associates, intended to either intimidate you or serve as a reminder for when they return for the car.
Car thieves often operate in gangs and target specific neighborhoods. Their markings serve as reminders of what’s been inspected, what’s accessible, and which cars are off-limits due to security measures. These are likely the intended messages!
Ever experienced stickers, markings from Sharpies or chalk, tape, or chewing gum placed on or near your car? Thieves often use chalk or sharpie markers to draw symbols to mark potential targets.
These marks can be subtle and easily overlooked, but they serve as signals to other criminals. Here are some common types of marks and their meanings:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dots or Circles | Car is an easy target or has been broken into before |
| Arrow Pointing Towards Car | Car is a potential target |
| X Mark | Car is worth targeting due to poor security |
| Circle with an X | The car has nothing worth stealing |
| Lines or Slashes | Number of times the car has been checked or targeted |
These usually occur in an area that would not be so noticeable, such as on the tires, windows, or body of the car.
If you find unusual marks on your car, take photos before removing them and report the activity to your local authorities if you suspect malicious intent.
Tampered locks or wires:
Damaged or scratched door locks and handles may indicate that thieves have attempted to or successfully gain access to your vehicle.
If you find evidence of tampering or disabling of your car’s security features, such as cut wires, removed alarms, or disabled immobilizers, it could indicate that thieves are trying to circumvent your car’s protection mechanisms, and that your vehicle is being targeted!
Thieves might attempt to access a car by tampering with the boot or trunk. If there are any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or unusual wear around the trunk area, it could indicate that the car has been targeted or broken into previously.
Missing parts:
You start your car and hear a loud, rumbling noise. The check engine light comes on, signaling an exhaust issue, and you notice reduced engine power. It’s clear—your catalytic converter has been stolen.
Check out our latest blog to find out how you can prevent catalytic converter theft!
“Slider” technique:
You’d never think a nickel or penny in your door handle could help thieves target your vehicle, right? It’s simple—they insert a small object like a coin into the passenger door handle, preventing the central locking system from working.
This trick is particularly common at gas stations and mall parking lots!
Neighborhood patterns:
Thieves often operate neighborhood by neighborhood, so watch for patterns! In one area, they may target airbags or catalytic converters, while in another, it could be car radios.
They might also mark vehicles that appear to be high-value targets or those that are parked in less secure areas.
If you live in such areas where there are increased reports of car thefts, for example…
…then you need to be extra cautious! Be vigilant and call the police!
Unfamiliar vehicles:
Suppose you see vehicles in your area that seem out of place. People driving past your car or unfamiliar vehicles parked on your street for long periods are all red flags!
Watch for vehicles covered in mud or showing recent damage, as if involved in a crash. Non-working or deliberately disabled brake lights, or cars driving without headlights at night, could all be signs of suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
Security system alerts:
Frequent or unexplained activation of your car’s alarm is also a sign that they are wandering around and messing with your car’s parts.
Look for broken windows, scratches, damaged locks, or signs of forced entry. These are clear signs someone has tried to access your car.
The ultimate assistance. Wherever you are.
Missing item:
Break and snatch is very popular! Such as breaking the glass and snatching shopping bags, luggage, and other valuables.
And if items you left in your car are missing or not where you left them, it could mean a thief has already gained access, and since your car was an easy target, he might come back for more.
This tactic is common in tourist areas, even in paid parking lots with surveillance, targeting tourists with rental cars.
To minimize risk, place your luggage or valuables in the trunk before reaching your destination and opt for valet parking. You don’t want thieves to see you loading the trunk after parking.
Adjusted wing mirrors:
If you notice your car’s wing mirror unfolded, it could be a signal from a thief to their accomplices that your car is an easy target!
It could also mean that the car has been unlocked and is ready to be taken away.
Check your wing mirrors before leaving your car: They should be folded in, and the vehicle should be securely locked, which will act as a deterrent against thieves.
Tyre punctures:
Punctured tires are the clearest sign that your car has been marked as a target!
Why? Just imagine getting late for work because you notice that your tire is deflated. You probably will take a cab to work, giving time for the thief to steal your car.
There have been many instances of “flat tire thefts” within El Segundo.
Sometimes, thieves work in pairs. One will loiter in the parking lot and flatten a tire while the victim is away. After the victim drives off, the scammer offers to help fix the flat. While the victim is distracted, the second thief steals the car.
Identify theft markings & protective actions:
| Car Part | Potential Secret Marking | Type of Markings | Preventive Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door Handles | Small markers or stickers near the door handles. | Stickers, small pieces of tape, chalk marks. | Regularly inspect handles; consider using handle covers or locks. |
| Under the Door | Subtle marks in the seam between the door and body. | Chalk marks, small paint dots, or scratches. | Check the area regularly; apply a protective film or use a door guard. |
| Wheel Wells | Marks around the tires or Twitterells to indicate valuable parts. | Paint dots, chalk, or small stickers. | Use wheel locks; park in cautious secure areas. |
| Around the Windows | Marks near window edges or under seals. | Stickers, chalk, or small scratches. | Inspect seals and edges; consider installing window tint or alarms. |
| Bumpers | Markings on the front or rear bumpers. | Stickers, paint spots, or chalk marks. | Use bumper guards; install a car alarm with motion sensors. |
| Antenna | Marks indicating easy access to the antenna. | Small stickers or marks on the antenna base. | Remove the antenna when not in use or use a breakaway antenna. |
| Mirrors | Marks indicating mirrors are easy to detach or replace. | Stickers, small paint dots, or chalk marks. | Use mirror locks or covers; regularly check for tampering. |
| Exhaust System | Marks on the exhaust system or catalytic converter. | Paint spots, chalk marks, or small stickers. | Install a catalytic converter lock; use a security camera or alarm. |
| License Plate Area | Marks near the license plate for easy removal or swapping. | Stickers, paint marks, or small scratches. | Secure license plates with anti-theft screws; regularly check for tampering. |
| Trunk or Tailgate | Marks indicating easier access to the trunk or tailgate. | Stickers, chalk marks, or paint spots. | Use trunk or tailgate locks; consider a car alarm system. |
Real-life signs of cars being targeted!
People pour their hearts out on social media channels (Twitter, Reddit, Facebook) regarding car thefts. We have collected some weird signs that you should be cautious about so your car does not become the next target.
What are the reasons thieves might target your car?
Until now, you might have discovered one or maybe more ways thieves are eying out your vehicle, but the real question is, why is your car being targeted! Well ,maybe it’s an easy target! How? Well, thieves love cars or SUVs with weak security systems or easy access points.
Is your car a luxury model? That’s likely why it’s catching thieves’ attention. High-end cars are targeted for a reason—they often have valuable parts or features that are easy to remove and sell.
Such examples include catalytic converters, which sell like hotcakes on the black market. They’re valuable and relatively easy to steal, making cars with these parts a common target for thieves seeking a quick profit.
Do you leave valuables inside your car? That is like an invitation to crooks and creeps! Keep the car clean, and never ever leave valuables or high-end electronics inside! And if you are parked in a poorly lit area, then bang! Your valuables are gone!
Which auto parts are more likely to be targeted by auto thieves?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 32 seconds.
But what about the auto parts!
No record and never recovered!
A thief can disassemble a stolen car in less than 6 minutes for valuable auto parts!
The thieves first check the door handles and locks because sometimes people leave their cars unlocked.
They also inspect the area around the wheel wells and underneath the doors. They even look for vulnerabilities or hide tools under the car. You can check for any unusual objects or disturbances in these areas.
Ready to boost your dealership's security?
Check for signs of tampering or unusual marks around the trunk area. Scratches or scuff marks most obviously indicate that someone has tampered with the trunk. Ensure that the latch and locking mechanism are intact.
Thieves are breaking into cars through HEADLIGHTS!
Check your headlights and taillights for signs of tampering or being pried open. Thieves often remove trim pieces and disconnect the cables that link the lights to the car’s computer (CAN), which controls them.
Which cars are prime targets for thieves?
Thieves are stealing just about anything they get their hands on. No matter if your car is on the list of most stolen vehicles, such as a Dodge Ram or Honda CRV or if you own a TESLA – the hardest car to steal.
Police are actively pursuing suspects behind the luxury car theft spree, as well as those targeting catalytic converters!
Thieves are smart! So you need to be even smarter! Check out our tried and tested ways and prevent your car from being the target of thieves.
Ways to detect and prevent thieves from targeting your car!
Thieves only need a few minutes to steal your most prized car.
Here are a few basic things you can do to protect your car from thieves.
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Let your eyes scan your car for any signs of tampering, unusual markings, or damage.
Watch for hints: deflated tires, inconsistent tire pressure, and tampered locks are just some of the things you should look out for.
Add as many anti-theft devices.
- Alarms:
A reliable alarm system can deter theft and alert you when something might be wrong with your vehicle.
- Steering wheel locks:
One of the most effective ways of deterring theft is by using a steering wheel lock, which immobilizes it.
- GPS trackers:
Installing a GPS tracker can help you track your car’s location and recover it if someone steals it.
- Smart parking habits:
Park your car in the most well-lit and public places for high visibility. Stay away from parking in dimly lit, very quiet, or abandoned places.
- 3-layer protection system:
We suggest a 3-layer protection system:
1st LAYER: Protect your Key fob: Use a signal-blocking pouch or Faraday bag.
2nd LAYER: Install anti-theft devices: Alarms, steering wheel locks, GPS trackers.
3rd LAYER: Secure parking: Park in well-lit, visible areas.
Businesses are choosing proactive detection and prompt action as the only solution for car theft!
CCTV surveillance cameras are placed strategically throughout the property, especially monitoring entrances, exits, and lots.
These cameras are integrated with remote video monitoring services.
When the security system detects an intruder, it triggers an alarm at the remote live video monitoring center.
The remote operators assess the situation via live video feeds and intervene via voice talk downs or act in accordance with each client’s SOPs (such as calling the police, the security agency, etc.)
What do the experts say?
Stay away from both opportunistic and targeted thieves!
Nigel Tolley, a physical security consultant and lock ninja says:
“There are two types of car theft.
Opportunistic theft: Thieves target unlocked cars to steal items inside or attempt to hotwire older vehicles.
Targeted theft: Organized groups use specialized tools and techniques to steal specific makes and models of cars.
The first type involves thieves on foot trying door handles, while the second type involves organized groups driving around and using methods like remote duplicates, databases, relay attacks, or sometimes just smashing the door down to take the specific car their client wants!”
This means we must add extra security layers to deter these car thieves!
Be extra cautious about CAN bus hacking!
Ben, a former traffic officer with a keen eye for vehicles, especially in high-risk areas, advises inspecting the trunk and lights for signs of theft or tampering.
Thieves can sometimes remove the headlights or taillights to access the wiring or interior mechanisms of the vehicle.
This method allows thieves to bypass electronic locking systems or access internal components that might facilitate entry into the vehicle.
Thieves may use tools like slim jims or pry bars to force or pick the trunk lock, manipulating the locking mechanism to gain access.
Once thieves compromise the boot lock, they can open the trunk and access the car’s interior.
FAQs:
How will I notice if someone targets my car?
- Be wary of people hanging around your car or acting suspiciously.
- Look for unusual marks, tampered locks, or missing things.
- Be aware of the alerts of your security system and any strange noise.
How do car thieves track cars?
By hanging around your car or acting shady, they track cars to steal. They may even follow you.
Some physical indicators are chalk marks, stickers, or other markings on your car. They might even damage locks, scratch paint, or tamper with security systems.
What are the models of cars most targeted by car thieves?
Cars with valuable parts, like catalytic converters or premium materials, are prime targets for thieves. Thieves are more likely to target older models or those with weaker security systems.
How are the thieves gaining access?
Thieves can do this by a number of means, including lock picking, stolen or cloned key, broken windows, keyless car theft, and hacking the CAN bus system of the car.
Conclusion:
It is important for the safety of your car that you stay aware and vigilant regarding those signs showing that your car might become a target of thieves.
Be on the lookout for suspicious activities, strange markings, tampered locks, and know the pattern of theft in your neighborhood.
On a frequent basis, search for signs of tampering or damage to your car, and install alarms, steering wheel locks, and GPS trackers to make your vehicle more safe.
By taking some early precautions and being more observant, you can save your car from becoming the next target of any theft. If you find anything suspicious, inform the local authorities to keep your possessions safe.
Contact us today for a customized security solution for your business!
