What time of day are most cars stolen?

Asked by: Doyle Aufderhar  |  Last update: September 20, 2025
Score: 5/5 (7 votes)

Car thieves tend to steer clear of highly-visible areas, especially if there are security cameras or nosy neighbors around. This is especially important at night between 2 and 5 a.m. Since most people are asleep, that's the most common time for cars to be stolen.

What time of day do most car thefts occur?

Most auto burglaries occur at night while the vehicle is parked outside the victim's residence. Some burglars also target vehicles that are parked in parking lots while their owners are at work, in class, or shopping.

What is the average time to find a stolen car?

Generally, if a stolen car is not found within 30 days of being reported, it's unlikely to be found at all. Thieves will often change license plates illegally before selling the car on, making it impossible to trace.

How to make sure your car is never stolen?

Tips
  1. Always roll up the windows, lock the doors, and take the keys.
  2. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine on.
  3. Discourage vehicle theft by using a steering wheel lock. ...
  4. Install and monitor your vehicle alarm system. ...
  5. Install a "kill switch", vehicle recovery system or any reputable anti-theft device.

What attracts car thieves?

The allure of quick resale or stripping cars for valuable parts motivates many thefts. Modern cars' reliance on technology opens avenues for cyber attacks and hacking tools. Inadequate parking security and remote, poorly lit locations can further attract thieves.

Thieves steal $100K BMW, luxury cars from dealership showroom!

29 related questions found

What type of car is stolen the most?

What vehicle is most often stolen?
  • Kia Optima: 30,204 thefts.
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 23,721 thefts.
  • Kia Soul: 21,001 thefts.
  • Honda Accord: 20,895.
  • Honda Civic: 19,858.
  • Kia Forte: 16,209.
  • Ford F150 Series Pickup: 15,852.
  • Kia Sportage: 15,749.

Does insurance cover a stolen car?

Car Theft Insurance: When Am I Entitled to Coverage? Downey drivers whose cars are stolen in Califonia will have car theft insurance if they have comprehensive coverage. That should cover you up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.

Do police actively look for stolen cars?

Answer: Police departments do care about stolen cars and allocate resources to investigate these crimes. They utilize various techniques, including visiting crime scenes, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and employing technology such as license plate recognition to track and recover stolen vehicles.

What happens if my stolen car is not found?

Your car insurance will cover a stolen car if you carry comprehensive insurance; you will have to pay the deductible. If your car is not recovered within 30 days, the insurance company will declare it a total loss and pay you its actual cash value.

What cars get stolen the least?

The big picture: EVs are much less likely to be snatched than gas-powered cars, according to experts at the NICB and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's IHS). Four of the six least-stolen vehicles are EVs, according to an IIHS analysis of insurance claims.

How can I prevent car theft at night?

Always . . .
  1. Always lock your vehicle.
  2. Always utilize anti-theft devices.
  3. Always park your vehicle in a well-lighted area at night.
  4. Always make sure you receive an ownership certificate when purchasing a used vehicle.

What is the #1 place for stolen cars?

#1: Bakersfield, CA

Even in 2021, Bakersfield still places first in national car theft.

What time do most thefts occur?

Most robberies occur during daytime

But, according to ATA's analysis of FBI data, 65% of robberies occur during the daytime, most commonly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This time of day is preferable for criminals because many homeowners are typically out of the house at work or school.

What car is the hardest car to steal?

What do stats say about the least stolen vehicles? According to an insurance report by HLDI, vehicles like the Tesla and other fully electric vehicles remain among the hardest overall for thieves to steal. Volvo XC60, Subaru Ascent, and certain Chevy and GMC models are giving car thieves a run for their money also.

How quickly are stolen cars recovered?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, cars reported stolen in the first 24 hours have a 34 percent same-day recovery rate. More than 85 percent of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered. Once you've provided information to the police, they can create a report.

Where do most stolen cars end up?

According to the FBI, a car is stolen in the U.S. about once every 40 seconds. Many of them end up at ports like the Port of Baltimore, where they are put on cargo ships headed to West Africa.

What brand of car is stolen the most in the US?

Aside from the vulnerable Kia and Hyundai cars, the vehicles with the most thefts — like the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F-150 — are among the most common models on U.S. roads. Vehicle thefts increased by about 1%, from 1,008,756 in 2022 to 1,020,729 in 2023, according to the NICB.

What is the most stolen thing on a car?

Here are nine commonly stolen car parts or items and tips to prevent theft so you don't become a victim.
  1. Tires and Wheels. If you've bought new tires and/or wheels recently, you know they can get expensive. ...
  2. Tailgates. ...
  3. Batteries. ...
  4. Catalytic Converters. ...
  5. Airbags. ...
  6. Third Row Seats. ...
  7. Registration. ...
  8. Garage Door Openers.

How can I make my car less likely to be stolen?

Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Park in well-lit areas if possible. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Where do thieves look in a car?

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.

What time do most cars get broken into?

This is especially important at night between 2 and 5 a.m. Since most people are asleep, that's the most common time for cars to be stolen.