People can think of all kinds of reasons why they’re unlikely to be the victims of auto theft, but considering FBI stats—one car is stolen in the US about every 45 seconds—it’s not as impossible as they’d like to think. There are plenty of myths out there about which types of vehicles are more vulnerable to auto theft and which behaviors can prevent it, and the first step in lowering your risk of car theft is being able to separate the myths from the facts. Our advice is to start with this list of common myths about car theft and security so you no longer think, “it can’t happen to me.”

Myth #1: Car thieves usually target new or luxury vehicles in Escondido

While brand new cars would seem to be an ideal target for car thieves, statistics tell a different story. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the top three cars stolen in 2015 were the 1996 Honda Accord, 1998 Honda Civic, and 2006 Ford pickup. While older cars often have outdated or nonexistent security systems, bestselling midrange models—in contrast to luxury models—are also more abundant on the streets, increasing their chances of being stolen and their ability to be sold for parts.

Myth #2: Old cars are easy to break into in Escondido

Car thieves might accurately assume they have better chances stealing an older car, but that doesn’t mean old cars are easy to break into. Many older models come with a deadlocking feature, a mechanism that makes it impossible to manipulate the door locks without the key in the ignition. This leaves the broken window as the only option for entering the car, probably not a preferable option even for a thief.

Myth #3: New car locks can’t be picked

While the evolution of car locks has made Slim Jims mostly obsolete, that doesn’t mean newer car locks can’t be picked—just ask the flourishing locksmith industry. Professional, legal lock-pickers use the same variety of tools as car thieves, although both are stumped when it comes to keyless entry. For locksmiths, it means ordering a new key fob. For thieves, it means the dreaded broken window.

Myth #4: Parking in a back alley is asking for car theft

FBI stats prove that parking in back alleys or other stereotypically “dangerous” places isn’t a recipe for car theft. In fact, over one-third of all vehicle thefts occur at home, while about one-fifth occur in parking lots. Where your car is parked has much less to do with its theft risk than what type of car you have (see Myth #1).

Myth #5: Most stolen cars are recovered by police

Unfortunately, only about half of all stolen vehicles are recovered, and the longer the car is gone, the lower its chances of recovery—likely because it has been broken down and sold in parts. Compounding these dire stats is the fact that many insurance policies don’t include full replacement of a stolen car, and even if they do, you’ll still have to deal with the hassle of filing a claim and the cost of replacing any valuables that were in the car.

Myth #6: No matter what you do, you can’t prevent your car from theft

Whether you have an older bestselling model car or a newer car with a pickable lock, there are extra precautions you can take to secure your vehicle beyond crossing your fingers and hoping it doesn’t happen to you. Research shows that the number one factor car-thieves look for is low risk. The last thing they want is a car alarm blaring in their face, so if they see any hint of extended protection measures, they’ll go for an easier target instead.

Myth #7: Car alarms are easy to DIY

Unless you’re a whiz at vehicle electronics, it’s best to leave car alarm installation to the professionals. A botched install can do more than leave you with a non-functioning security system—you could also damage other electronic systems along the way. It’s also not a good idea to choose the cheapest alarm on the market in order to save a few bucks. Spending a little extra will go a long way if it means you never have to deal with a stolen car.

Looking to lower your risk of car theft in Escondido?

Audiosport in Escondido agrees that when it comes to keeping your car safe, you should only trust the best. That’s why we carry the best brands in car alarms and theft prevention. We also offer expert installation, even for products you didn’t buy from us. Stop by or give us a call today. We’ll help lower your risk of car theft and keep your car and your belongings safe with a properly installed security system and alarm.

Give us a call today at (760) 743-2333.