NomadSoul1 | Envato ElementsCar theft in the United States hit a decades-long low in 2025, a 23% drop from 2024, according to the latest data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).Much of that decline comes down to two things: Hyundai and Kia rolling out software fixes that closed a widely exploited vulnerability (i.e., the infamous Kia Challenge), one that allowed thieves to start certain models with nothing more than a USB cable, and coordinated law enforcement efforts that apprehended those responsible for a disproportionate share of thefts.Those lower figures are encouraging, but there is always a chance your vehicle can be stolen, especially when you're away from home on vacation. Parking on unfamiliar streets, leaving your car at an airport, or parking in a garage for an extended period, the risk is never zero. Thieves also count on the path of least resistance, meaning the more difficult you make it to steal your car, the better.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat said, here are four straightforward and easy ways to protect your vehicle while you enjoy your summer vacation.Never leave your car unattendedWhat thieves look for each timeHyundaiAlways turn your ignition off, no matter what. This one sounds obvious, but it's one of the most common ways vehicles are stolen in warmer months, especially as the days become hotter.On your road trip this summer, resist the urge to let your vehicle run unattended with the AC on full blast, say, while you are packing in your hotel room or running in to get food. Even if the area looks safe, thieves can use that to mask their intentions.The NICB warns that an unattended vehicle with its engine running is an invitation, so leaving your car like this, even briefly, is all the opening a would-be thief would need.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlong these same lines, make sure to always roll your windows up, remove all valuables, and lock your car. Some thieves have made a habit of walking through parking lots, actively looking for unlocked doors and/or rolled-down windows, or vehicles where valuable items might be in plain view.Lights, cameras, and foot traffic are your best friendsThieves work in the darkNomadSoul1 | Envato ElementsIt’s important to remember that where you park matters as much as how you park. While you may have your vehicle locked, parking in a dark and less-traveled area will come with its own risks.Thieves prefer poorly lit areas where few others are likely to pass by, as they can work in these types of environments without being interrupted. Look for areas where overall visibility is higher. This can include, but is not limited to, the presence of streetlights, security cameras, or traffic cameras. Prioritize parking in well-lit areas, as that might be enough to deter a car thief.If you're at an unfamiliar destination, try to find a spot near an entrance, an elevator, or a well-lit section of the garage or lot. You can also search for garages and lots that have 24-hour security or an attendant on duty.Old-school tools still workSmall investments send a big messageduallogic | Envato ElementsA steering wheel lock is one of the oldest anti-theft tools in the book. Often recommended by the NICB as a deterrent, steering wheel locks work because they are immediately and obviously visible to anybody who walks by your vehicle.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs noted a moment ago, car thieves want the path of least resistance, and a bulky device on the steering wheel signals that a particular car will be more trouble than it's worth. Most steering wheel locks are inexpensive, easy to use, and require no special installation process. For a road trip or an extended stay in an unfamiliar city, this is one of the best investments you can make.On a similar note, you can stash a GPS tracker or an Apple AirTag somewhere in your vehicle. Granted, this won’t prevent your car from being stolen, but it can make all the difference in the world if it does. If your vehicle goes missing in an unfamiliar area while you're on vacation, law enforcement will have a much better chance of recovering it with a live beacon to assist them.Modern cars have modern vulnerabilitiesRelay attacks, Faraday pouches, and your vehicle's appKeyless car thefts have become increasingly common, and busy tourist areas can be a hunting ground for those who use this tactic.In what is known as a relay attack, two thieves use signal-amplifying devices to boost your key fob's signal from inside a hotel lobby, a restaurant, or even a parking garage, tricking your car into thinking the key is nearby and unlocking on its own.AdvertisementAdvertisementA signal-blocking pouch, often called a Faraday pouch, cuts off the fob's signal entirely when you're not near the car. They are inexpensive, fit easily into a travel bag or purse, and are among the more effective low-cost precautions for keyless entry vehicles.Likewise, many newer vehicles come with app-based security tools that owners set up once and then forget about, or never set up at all. Before your next road trip, take a few minutes to open your vehicle's companion app and confirm that remote lock, theft alerts, and any remote disable features are active.For example, Ford's Start Inhibit feature, available through the FordPass app on vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E, allows owners to remotely disable the engine. GM vehicles have similar capabilities through the myChevrolet and myGMC apps to prevent unwelcome individuals from driving away. If you own a Toyota, check your Toyota Connected Services Suite, which includes a stolen vehicle locator under the Safety Connect umbrella.The bottom line on car theftVehicle theft remains a significant crime affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, even as the overall numbers trend down. Most of the steps listed above take only a few minutes and cost nothing. The ones that do cost something, a steering wheel lock, a Faraday pouch, or an AirTag, are relatively affordable and worth every cent for the peace of mind they provide.
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