Essential Insights into Vehicle Break-Ins and Effective Prevention Strategies

A car break-in is one of the worst things that can happen to a vehicle owner. Not only will you have to deal with the damage to your car and repair work, but the loss of any property and the sense of invasion you’ll feel will take its toll as well.

We at Console Vault® know all too well the stress and problems vehicle break-ins can cause, because we were founded by two individuals who experienced smash-and-grab car thefts and wanted to develop a solution. Let’s take a look at some key car break-in statistics and facts, along with which vehicles are the most vulnerable and ways you can protect yourself.

Car Break-In Statistics

The Federal Bureau of Investigation supplies a useful crime statistic tracker that reports on a range of criminal activities, including car and truck break-ins and thefts. Their current data relays statistics from as far back as 1985 up through 2022. Here are some key points:

• Vehicle break-ins have mostly stayed at the same, lower rate in the last decade, but have seen an uptick since 2020, moving from approximately 221 break-ins per 100,000 people per year in 2019 to approximately 283 break-ins per 100,000 people per year in 2022.
• For the 38 years’ worth of available data, 2014 saw the lowest number of vehicle break-ins, with approximately 215 incidents per 100,000 people.
• Though the uptick in vehicle break-ins of recent years certainly isn’t welcome news, vehicle owners are safer than they were previously. The early 2000s regularly saw 420-430 car theft offenses per 100,000 people per year, and previous years were drastically higher. For instance, the high point in the 38-year dataset was 1991, which featured 659 incidents per 100,000 people.
• To put the 2022 number into a greater context, the total number of motor vehicle theft incidents in that year within the U.S. was 721,852.
• For 2022, most known perpetrators of car and truck break-ins were in their 30s (19%) or 20s (18%). Those 10-19 (12%) and 40-49 (9%) rounded out the list, with 120,765 individuals (35%) being of an unknown age range.
• Approximately 54% of known offenders in 2022 were male, nearly 16% were female, and 30% were unknown. Victims were 60% male, 39% female, and 1% unknown.
• The FBI also gathers data on how break-ins connect to other crimes in the same incidents. For 2022, their information shows the following incident percentages: 21% for damage or vandalism of property, 16% for theft from the vehicle, 13% for other larceny, 12% for burglary or breaking and entering, and 7% for stolen property offenses.
• Since break-ins and thefts often happen when a victim is not near their vehicle, 56% of perpetrators have an unknown relationship to the victim. Of those known, 21% are strangers, 7% are acquaintances, 4% are people known in some other way, and 3% are parents.

Where Do Most Car and Truck Break-Ins Take Place?

This information can really be broken down into two subcategories: the specific locations of break-ins and thefts, and the cities and states most likely to experience them. For specific locations:

• 33% occur at a residence
• 25% occur on a highway, alley, street, or sidewalk
• 23% occur in a parking garage or on a lot
• 3% occur in an unknown/unreported area
• 2% occur in the lot of a commercial or office building

When it comes to a city breakdown, the following metropolitan areas had the most incidents per 100,000 people:

1. Pueblo, Colorado – 1,086
2. Bakersfield, California – 1,072
3. Denver, Colorado – 1,062
4. Memphis, Tennessee – 845
5. Portland, Oregon – 797
6. Albuquerque, New Mexico – 795
7. Seattle, Washington – 758
8. San Francisco, California – 699
9. Greeley, Colorado – 589
10. Kansas City, Missouri – 572

For a state-by-state breakdown, the most incidents in 2022 were reported within:

1. California – 202,685
2. Texas – 105,015
3. Washington – 46,939
4. Florida – 45,973
5. Colorado – 42,237
6. Illinois – 38,649
7. Ohio – 29,913
8. Missouri – 29,345
9. New York – 28,292
10. Georgia – 26,529

What Time Do Most Vehicle Break-Ins Occur?

Perhaps the most unsurprising car break-in statistic is that the vast majority of break-ins and thefts – 80% – occur at night. Peak hours for incidents are between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., which is to be expected considering how many people, both vehicle owners and potential passersby, are asleep.

When you pair this information with the car break-in statistics we relayed above about location, steps for prevention begin to become apparent. As we noted, most break-ins occur at residences, along streets, or in parking garages and lots. Knowing this, and the dangers of overnight parking, it’s therefore vital to ensure any place you park your car is well secured. An enclosed space such as a private garage or secured parking facility, or a well-lit street unknown for break-ins, would likely be some of the best options to avoid becoming a victim.

What Are the Top 10 Stolen Vehicles?

Obviously, no one wants to experience a vehicle break-in or theft, but unfortunately some car owners need to be on their guard more than others. Various makes and models may be targeted more often simply due to their popularity, while others could be sought out for their omissions in safety features.

In 2022, the most stolen vehicles were:

1. 2004 Chevrolet Pickup
2. 2006 Ford Pickup
3. 2000 Honda Civic
4. 1997 Honda Accord
5. 2013 Hyundai Sonata
6. 2017 Hyundai Elantra
7. 2015 Kia Optima
8. 2021 Toyota Camry
9. 2005 GMC Pickup
10. 2001 Honda CR-V

A few of those entries above – the Kia and Hyundais – are a result of the much-publicized string of vehicle break-ins and thefts for those models. Due to a manufacturing error, cars of these type lacked engine immobilization devices to verify key insertion, and so with simple tools like a screwdriver and a USB, thieves were able to start the cars with ease without a key or hotwiring.

2011 to 2021 vehicles were affected by this problem, and Kia and Hyundai quickly began to work with local governments to distribute safety fixes and update software. That said, the problem is ongoing for car owners who have not secured protection and software corrections for themselves, so if you own one of the affected vehicles you will need to be extra cautious.

Meanwhile, Civics and Accords feature parts that are high in demand and the vehicles themselves tend to be easier to steal, meaning owners of these cars should be cautious as well.

How Can I Protect Myself from Car Break-Ins?

To keep yourself from being part of the next round of car break-in statistics, you’ll want to take some preventative measures:

• Avoid commonly stolen cars – If you’re in the market for a new car, researching which makes and models are currently more likely to be broken into or stolen will go a long way in giving you peace of mind. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.
• Lock your doors – It should go without saying that you should always lock your doors when you leave your vehicle unattended, but anyone can forget or simply think the quick trip inside the store doesn’t warrant locking up. Why take the risk, though?
• Keep your windows rolled up – Cracked windows, while beneficial or necessary in some cases, pose safety risks since thieves can more easily access door locks or even rock a window off track to then pry it open. If you’re parking your car, keeping those windows up is essential.
• Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas – The further away you get from sources of light and groups of people, the more of a target your car will become. Stay out of the shadows and stay safe.
• Use antitheft measures – Car alarms, steering wheel locks, steering wheel brake locks, catalytic converter locks and other safety devices are affordable ways to avoid a car or truck break-in. You can utilize them when you’re in an unfamiliar or concerning area, or simply all the time for maximum protection.

Want the Ultimate in Vehicle Security? Choose One of Our Car Safes!

We’re experts on safety here at Console Vault, and we know that having a vehicle stolen isn’t the only concern for car owners. No one wants a smash-and-grab incident and the loss of valuables, either. Plus, anything in a vehicle within sight of a thief could be just what leads to a vehicle break-in or theft, so keeping items hidden away is vital.

This is where we come in to give you peace of mind via our diverse line of in-vehicle safes, ideal for firearms, wallets, cash, phones, and valuables. These safes have been designed to seamlessly fit into a range of makes and models and feature:

• Quick and easy installation
• Triple Guard Lock System™ to prevent entry
• 12-guage steel construction
• A variety of locking mechanisms
• Drill-resistant locks
• Free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S.
• Lifetime warranties

Best yet, these safes are discreetly hidden from view, simply appearing to be part of your car’s center console. This helps keep prying eyes and sticky fingers at bay. We also have special motorcycle safes along with a transportable option.

Ready to Improve Your Vehicle’s Security? Contact Console Vault!

Don’t let yourself become another car break-in statistic – choose a safe from Console Vault to keep your belongings secure and out of view. Contact our team today with any questions or if you need help with finding your make and model.