Browse
Log in / Register
Share
July 15, 2025 – As summer temperatures rise, so does the number of car break-ins across the United States. Law enforcement agencies and security experts are urging drivers to take simple precautions to avoid becoming a victim. The key message: never leave valuables in plain sight.
According to the FBI’s 2024 Uniform Crime Report, vehicle-related thefts increased by 4.7% from the previous year, with a significant portion involving items stolen from inside cars. The opportunity, not the lock, is often the biggest risk.
“We rarely see smashed windows unless something extremely valuable is visible,” says Douglas W. Houper, Undersheriff of Chemung County, New York. “Most thieves simply open an unlocked door and grab whatever they can. Locking your car is the first and easiest step.”
Houper emphasizes that leaving a wallet, phone, or even a gym bag on the front seat turns your vehicle into a target. “If someone walks by and sees a laptop or a purse on the seat, they’ll consider your car a prize. Don’t let that happen.”
Security experts at the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report that the most commonly stolen items from vehicles include GPS devices, sunglasses, loose change, and charging cables. Even empty shopping bags can signal to a thief that there might be something worth taking inside.
Tony Joe, Director of Security at Notre Dame High School, recommends a zero-trust approach. “Take everything that matters to you inside. If you absolutely must leave something in the car, use a locked glove box or a trunk — but even those aren’t foolproof. The best practice is to carry it with you.”
The rise of vehicle break-ins is also linked to convenience. Many drivers — especially in warmer months — leave windows cracked or doors unlocked “just for a minute.” That’s all the time a thief needs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that a car break-in occurs every 40 seconds in the U.S.
Beyond locking doors, AAA suggests additional anti-theft measures: park in well-lit areas, install a steering wheel lock, and consider a visible dash cam. “A deterrent is often better than a cure,” says AAA spokesperson Jennifer Ryan. “Thieves look for easy targets. If your car has multiple layers of protection, they’ll likely move on.”
Even vehicles with tinted windows are not safe. “Tinted windows can make it harder for a thief to see inside, but they also make it harder for witnesses to see what’s happening,” adds Houper. “The best defense is to remove the temptation entirely.”
For those living in high-crime areas or parking on the street, additional steps may include using a vehicle GPS tracker or installing a car alarm with glass-break sensors. The Insurance Information Institute reports that cars with visible anti-theft devices are 60% less likely to be broken into.
In conclusion, the golden rule remains: if you can see it, a thief can see it. Take your valuables with you, lock your doors, and add visible deterrents. As summer 2025 continues, making your car a hard target is the smartest move you can make.
