6 Signs Your Car Might Be Marked by Thieves

While car theft is becoming more and more common, it’s easy to protect your car by knowing common signs it’s being targeted by thieves. Thieves often use subtle signs to indicate to others that a car is an easy target. In this article, we’ll teach you which signs to look out for, how to protect your car from thieves, and what to do if you suspect your car is being targeted. Plus, learn which vehicles are most likely to be targeted, when most break-ins occur, and if your car insurance will cover theft and break-ins.

Signs Your Car Has Been Marked for Theft

Obvious damage like broken windows and signs of forced entry often indicate a thief has gained access to your car. Some more subtle signs your car has been targeted include marks made with chalk, markers, or gum, as well as moved wing mirrors. Report any suspicious activity to the police.

Section 1 of 6:

6 Signs Your Car is Being Targeted by Thieves

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Unexplained broken windows, scratches, damaged locks, or signs of forced entry often indicate that a thief has attempted to or successfully gained access to your car. Other evidence of tampering includes cut wires, removed alarms, or disabled immobilizers; these often indicate a thief has tried to disable your car’s security features and protection mechanisms.^{[1]
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If you notice any items you left in your car are missing or not where you left them, this could mean a thief gained access to your vehicle. Because they know it’s possible to get into your car, they may target it to do more damage later on.^{[2]
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If you notice strangers lingering around your vehicle, especially as if they’re monitoring it, it may be a sign your car is being targeted. Pay attention to any unfamiliar vehicles, as well, especially if unfamiliar people seem to be sitting inside for no reason for long periods of time.^{[3]
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Pay attention to the placement of your wing mirror whenever you leave your car unattended. If you return to find it in a different position, it could mean your vehicle has been targeted. Thieves often reposition mirrors to signal to their accomplices because it isn’t typically noticeable unless you know what you’re looking for.^{[4]
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Presence of chalk, marker, or gum Thieves often use subtle signs to mark cars for later theft. Often, these signs will look like small coded messages or symbols with chalk or markers. Thieves may also leave chewed gum in specific places on or around the vehicle to indicate certain things, like whether the vehicle contains valuables or seems easy to break into.^{[5]
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- You may also see small dots or lines drawn onto the bodywork of the car or stickers placed on the windows or headlights.
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Unusual electronic interference Car thieves sometimes use electronic devices to interfere with immobilizer or keyless entry systems. If you have difficulties starting or unlocking your car or if there’s unexpected interference when using your vehicle’s remote key, it could mean someone is targeting your vehicle.^{[6]
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- Sometimes, you may also experience unusual car radio interference. However, technical issues and environmental factors could also be to blame, so this doesn’t guarantee your car is being targeted.

Section 2 of 6:

How to Protect Your Car from Thieves

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Though this may seem obvious, it can be easy to forget to lock your car after you exit the vehicle. Many thieves don’t bother with locked cars; it’s much easier for them to slip into an unlocked vehicle. Keeping your doors locked is one of the easiest ways to prevent theft.^{[7]
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Park in well-lit areas. Thieves are more likely to target cars if they think they won’t get caught. Parking in well-lit areas, especially areas that have cameras, will likely help prevent theft. When you’re at home, try to park in a garage, driveway, or a secured car park. These areas are more likely to attract attention, so thieves generally leave them alone.^{[8]
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- Keep your wheels facing the curb, as well. This positioning often deters thieves because it slows them down while attempting to steal the vehicle, which may attract unwanted attention.
- Thieves often target cars in public parking lots, gas stations, intersections, and near ATMs, so take extra precautions and lock your doors if you’re parked near these areas.
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Hide your valuables. Thieves can easily look in your car’s windows, and if valuable items like purses, laptops, or phones are lying around, they’re more likely to try to break in. Don’t leave valuable items in your car overnight, and if you must leave them unattended, make sure they’re out of sight.^{[9]
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- Don’t leave important paperwork in your car, either. For example, if you keep your car’s title and registration in the glovebox, a thief might get away with it if a cop pulls them over. Instead, keep these documents in a safe place in your house, like a safe.
Thieves often look for signs of “puffing,” which refers to a vehicle that is left unattended while running. If you defrost or warm up your car in the morning, it’s easy for a thief to jump in and take it if the vehicle is unlocked. To avoid this, keep your car locked and don’t leave the key in the ignition.^{[10]
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Many people crack their windows to cool their cars down, especially on hot summer days. However, this provides an opportunity for potential thieves. Even though the opening is small, they can grab the top of the window and rock it so it’s off-track, which will then allow them to open it. Make sure all your windows are completely rolled up before leaving your vehicle.^{[11]
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Anti-theft devices are gadgets that help secure your car and prevent theft. They make it harder to break into the vehicle and make noises that alert others if the vehicle has been broken into. Some common anti-theft devices include steering wheel locks, car security alarms, brake pedal locks, and wheel clamps.^{[12]
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Car-tracking GPS systems (or vehicle recovery systems) can be quite effective at deterring thieves or finding a stolen vehicle. Being able to determine the vehicle’s location can help police find the car and arrest the thieves.^{[13]
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What to Do if You Suspect Your Car is Targeted

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If you think your car has been marked, it’s important to document any and all evidence. Potential evidence includes obvious damage like broken windows or scratches, as well as less noticeable signs like chalk or markers. These can be crucial evidence for both the police and your insurance company.^{[14]
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Even if your car doesn’t look like it’s been broken into, let the police know you suspect it’s being targeted and report any suspicious activity. This way, they can keep an eye on the area and look for any suspicious activity. If police are active in an area, it will likely keep potential thieves away.^{[15]
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Always lock your car doors and take your keys with you whenever you leave your vehicle unattended. Park in a well-lit, semi-private area, if possible. If you notice suspicious activity, consider taking additional precautions, as well, such as installing anti-theft devices.^{[16]
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Which cars are most likely to be stolen?

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Older vehicles typically have less advanced security systems, which makes them easier targets for thieves. They lack modern anti-theft features that have become common in newer models.^{[17]
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High-end vehicles like BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, and Audis are commonly targeted by thieves. This is because luxury cars have a high resale value, and their parts are often in high demand.^{[18]
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Pick-up trucks and SUVs are tempting to thieves for several reasons. In addition to being resold, large vehicles like these can be used to transport other stolen goods. They also don’t have a trunk to hold valuables, so thieves know that owners are more likely to hide valuables somewhere in the vehicle.^{[19]
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Section 5 of 6:

What time do most break-ins occur?

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Specifically, break-ins are most likely to occur between 2 and 5 a.m., as this is when most people are asleep. Darkness provides cover for thieves, and many cars are present in residential areas at night. Try to park your car in your garage or in a well-lit area to deter thieves during these hours.^{[20]
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Section 6 of 6:

Does car insurance cover theft?

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Your insurance provider should cover you if your car has been stolen, broken into, or otherwise damaged.^{[21]
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If you lose your car keys or believe they might have been stolen, visit an auto locksmith as soon as possible. They can get you new keys and de-program the old ones.

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Warnings

For your safety, do not confront anyone who is behaving suspiciously around your or other vehicles. Instead, call the police immediately.

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