15 Most Popular Items Stolen From Cars

Every time you take your car for a drive, thieves are potentially watching. Many things — both inside your car and on it — are common targets for these criminals.

Here are some of the common things thieves like to steal from cars. Keeping a close eye on these items is a smart way to keep more money in your wallet and prevent crooks from nabbing them.

Catalytic converter

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The catalytic converter is underneath your car and helps to control emissions. It's made of several different types of valuable metals, making it an ideal target for a thief looking to cash in.

You may not see the catalytic converter on a daily basis, but you'll know if it's gone based on the loud noise the car will generate without it.

Electronic devices

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Laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices are easy to steal and resell. That's especially true if you leave them in an unlocked car or out in the open, where it’s easy to see them.

Thieves can simply break a window and grab them before anyone notices what has happened.

Purses and wallets

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Leaving a purse or wallet in your car while you pick up food or drop off something is a great invitation for thieves to spring into action.

GPS device

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Many newer cars have built-in navigation systems. But thieves might be interested if you have an older vehicle and use a GPS device.

In addition to taking your GPS device out of the car and carrying it with you, take down and hide any GPS mounts so thieves won’t be tempted.

Registration

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Once a thief is inside your car, they might head right to the glove box to look for your car’s registration.

This document has important personal information that the thief can use to steal your identity.

License plates

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License plates are easy to take from your car quickly. Thieves may find them particularly useful when trying to move stolen vehicles around town.

Credit cards

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Credit cards are easy to steal and use fraudulently, which makes them a target for thieves. Never leave credit cards in your car.

Truck tailgate

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Truck tailgates are great for getting things in and out of the bed of your pickup truck. But they’re also excellent targets for thieves.

Tailgates can be taken off quickly and resold as replacement parts.

Garage door opener

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Not only can thieves take your car registration — which contains personal information such as your address — but they can also grab your garage door opener while rummaging around your vehicle.

They can then find and break into your home to steal even more things.

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Stereo equipment

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Unfortunately, an expensive stereo system can be a target for thieves. Getting your car windows tinted or parking in well-lit areas are ways to reduce the risk of theft.

Tires and rims

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Those expensive tires and rims make your car look impressive, but they could also make the vehicle a target for theft.

Consider tires and rims that aren’t as eye-catching so they won’t attract thieves. Or get wheel locks to protect your tires and rims.

Important documents

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Important documents are not safe in glove boxes or center console storage areas.

Don’t leave things like passports, birth certificates, legal documents, or other important papers in your car.

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Keys

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Never leave a spare key in your car or start it and leave it running while you're away. Doing so makes it easy for thieves to drive away in your vehicle quickly.

Third-row seats

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Third-row seats can be removed for extra storage or locked in to accommodate additional passengers. But they can also be quickly taken out by thieves, who can resell them.

Cash and change

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Cash and change are like a magnet for thieves. Keep cash in your wallet, and don't leave change in your car where it's visible.

Bottom line

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It’s important to use common sense when it comes to where you park and which items you leave in plain view.

In addition, review your car insurance to ensure it will cover you if thieves damage your vehicle while trying to break into it.

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