More than 1.2 million vehicles will be stolen in the US this year alone. Most victims never come face to face with the criminals who drive off with their cars, but Michael Cherbonneau meets car thieves regularly. He is conducting a field-based study on how auto thieves carry out their crimes. So far, he has completed 30 face-to-face interviews with auto thieves recruited on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri. He previously assisted with a University of Alabama-Birmingham study that interviewed 54 incarcerated auto thieves.
We asked Cherbonneau to tell us what he has learned about how car thieves operate… which cars are at the greatest risk… and which theft-deterrent systems really work…
Who is the typical car thief? The guys I have interviewed are hard-core street offenders. They live for the here and now, spend money as soon as they make it and consider life a perpetual party. Your car is probably safe in the daylight morning hours, say, between 8:00 am and noon, because most car thieves are still in bed asleep.
Most of these guys are not car-theft specialists — they’re hustlers and opportunists. Today they might steal cars… tomorrow sell drugs or commit robberies. But when they’re in need of quick money, they consider auto theft a reliable way to get it. Compared with their other endeavors, auto theft is safe and dependable. If they mug someone or break into a home, they don’t know how much they’ll get or how the victim will react. When they steal a car, they can pick exactly the vehicle they want and not have to deal with the victim.
Some thieves steal cars to sell to chop shops. A chop shop strips a stolen car and sells the parts or changes the vehicle identification number and sells the entire car. But not every thief has access to chop shops — in some areas, only a few are in operation or they don’t exist at all.
How much are stolen cars worth? Thieves can get anywhere from $50 for a part to $3,500 for a stolen car. That might not seem like much, but thieves want to make money fast while avoiding detection, so they are willing to let cars go for “street prices.” Newer cars generally fetch more than older ones. Thieves also get more for cars with high-end audio systems and flashy aftermarket wheels that can be easily removed and sold. In major port cities, cars usually are stolen for export, and that can increase the thief’s profits.
Which cars are most likely to be stolen? Generally, the more popular a car is with buyers, the more popular it will be with thieves. Chop shops pay more for popular vehicles because parts removed from common cars are sure to be in demand. Stealing common cars also makes it less likely that the thief will be caught. If a gray Honda Accord or white Dodge Ram is stolen, the thief is relatively safe, because the police can’t pull over every one that drives by. Also, some cars are easier to steal than others because of their ignition design. Favorites among thieves include many older General Motors vehicles and most of the new low-to-mid-range Dodge, Chrysler and Pontiac models.
How effective are engine-immobilization security devices? These computerized security systems block the ignition or fuel flow if someone lacking the proper key tries to hot-wire the car. This “smart key” technology is a very effective theft deterrent, but many American cars — especially low-end and mid-range models — don’t come with factory-installed immobilizers. If I drove a car without engine-immobilization technology, I would consider having an aftermarket system installed. Your auto insurance provider might even offer a discount if you do.
Be aware that thieves who can’t beat an engine-immobilization system may try to steal your key. Some female thieves steal car keys from men in bars. Other thieves loiter around gas stations waiting for customers to leave their keys with their cars when they head inside to pay.
What other automotive security devices deter thieves? No security product will make your car 100% theft-proof, but anything that makes it more difficult for the thief is worthwhile. Car thieves are not known for working any harder than necessary…
Of the three deterrents you listed, which is most effective? Based on my conversations with car thieves, I would say The Club is probably the most cost-effective deterrent, aside from engine-immobilization devices.
What about car jackings? Are they common? Victimization surveys and auto insurance data indicate that car jacking is a rare event, accounting for roughly 3% of vehicles stolen each year. Car jackings are more likely to occur in urban areas and are carried out in a spontaneous and very opportunistic manner. From the offender’s perspective, if he does not act when the opportunity is presented, that opportunity may be lost forever.
