What Car Parts Are Thieves Targeting Most? A Deep Dive Into Theft Trends and Protection Strategies

Vehicle theft has evolved. Rather than targeting entire cars, modern thieves focus on high-value components that are quick to remove and easy to resell. We consulted with automotive specialists John Lin from JB Motor Works and Frank De Mulder of Classic Car Maintenance to understand which car parts are being stolen most frequently and how vehicle owners can defend against these crimes.

The Precious Metal Jackpot: Catalytic Converters Lead Theft Statistics

Catalytic converters dominate the theft landscape for one reason: their valuable metal content. These components contain rhodium, palladium, and platinum—materials commanding premium prices on commodity markets. Currently, rhodium trades at over $5,300 per ounce, with palladium around $1,150 per ounce and platinum at approximately $900 per ounce.

“The combination of high material value and accessibility makes these components prime targets,” explained John Lin. “They’re relatively straightforward to remove with basic tools.”

Frank De Mulder notes that replacement costs make this theft particularly painful for owners. A new catalytic converter can exceed $1,000, making comprehensive insurance essential. His recommendation: etch your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the converter to discourage sale on secondary markets, and ensure your policy covers parts theft.

Wheels, Rims, and Tires: Quick Money on the Black Market

Custom and high-end rims represent another lucrative target. “Aftermarket wheels can sell for thousands, and the black market demand remains constant,” said Lin. With appropriate tools, thieves can remove an entire set in minutes.

Rims and tires attract thieves primarily due to resale value, De Mulder explained. His tactical advice: park at a 45-degree angle to your curb. This positioning complicates lugnut access and discourages criminals who avoid prolonged time at crime scenes. Installing affordable tire locks adds another layer of deterrence.

Safety Components as Theft Targets: Airbags

Airbags represent an interesting case study in theft economics. While retail prices hover around $1,000 per unit, black market prices range from $50-$200—still profitable despite the theft difficulty. “Their portability, replaceability, and safety-critical nature make them attractive,” De Mulder explained.

Protecting against airbag theft involves steering wheel locks and routine checks of airbag warning indicators.

Electronic Systems: Audio and Navigation Equipment

Older vehicles with aftermarket GPS units and premium audio systems remain vulnerable. “Though less common in newer cars with integrated systems, separate entertainment components—particularly those with DVD capabilities—still attract attention,” Lin noted.

Audio system theft persists due to component value and removal ease. De Mulder recommends parking in illuminated areas, using window coverings to obstruct visibility, and installing active alarm systems.

Batteries and License Plates: Easily Overlooked Targets

Both experts identified batteries as frequently stolen items due to easy removal and resale value. Security guards and strategic parking locations help mitigate this risk.

License plates deserve attention too. Thieves steal plates to attach to unregistered or stolen vehicles, creating a different kind of problem for legitimate owners. Security screws—inexpensive and quick to install—provide reliable protection.

Emerging and Unexpected Targets

Third-row seats: SUV third-row seating has become an emerging theft category. These seats are increasingly designed for tool-free removal, making them valuable and accessible. The LAPD recommends using bike locks or removing seats when vehicles sit unused.

Tailgates: Certain truck models, particularly the Toyota Tacoma, have easily removable tailgates. Police reports show clusters of tailgate thefts in specific regions. Thieves can slide beneath truck beds and detach tailgates in seconds using basic implements. Replacement through online marketplaces or scrap yards yields several hundred dollars per unit.

Aftermarket tailgate locks—costing $100 or less and installable in minutes—effectively prevent this theft method.

Garage door openers: These devices warrant a straightforward protection strategy: never leave them in your vehicle. If stolen, they provide criminals direct home access.

A Comprehensive Defense Strategy

Implementing layered protection reduces theft risk substantially. Lin recommends parking in monitored, well-lit locations; using vehicle alarms; installing wheel-locking devices; and etching VINs on removable components to reduce market appeal.

De Mulder adds that comprehensive insurance coverage protecting against parts theft acts as a financial safety net. “While preventing all theft remains impossible, proactive security measures—including alarm systems, window tinting, regular maintenance checks, and appropriate insurance—significantly decrease vulnerability,” he emphasized.

By understanding what car parts are being stolen and implementing targeted countermeasures, vehicle owners can substantially reduce their theft exposure and minimize potential losses.