Most Commonly Stolen Parts From Cars: 7 Most Commonly Stolen Car Parts: Auto Part Theft Deterrent

Most commonly stolen parts from cars — if you own a vehicle, manage a dealership, or oversee apartment parking lots, these five words should make you pay attention. Auto part theft has exploded into a costly, time-consuming problem for vehicle owners and property managers alike. In this post we’ll dive deep into the 7 most commonly stolen car parts, the brand vehicles that thieves target most often, the shadowy ways thieves sell stolen parts and vehicles, and — most importantly — what you can do now to stop it. I’ll explain why Mobile Surveillance Units are the best deterrent for part thefts, vehicle theft, catalytic converter theft, fuel theft, vandalism, and other crimes in car dealerships and parking lots. Deterrence is key — no one wants to go to court or lose tenants because of crimes at apartment properties.

 

Most commonly stolen parts from cars — why this problem matters

Most commonly stolen parts from cars are not just an inconvenience; they’re a liability. When catalytic converters, wheels, stereos, airbags, or fuel are stolen, victims face expensive repairs, downtime, insurance headaches, and increased premiums. For property managers, repeated thefts can chase away tenants, reduce property values, and create legal exposure if security was demonstrably inadequate. For dealerships the stakes are even higher — lost inventory, lost sales, and damaged reputation.

 

Most commonly stolen parts from cars — the 7 parts criminals target most

Most commonly stolen parts from cars are consistently the same across regions because thieves seek high-resale value and easy extraction. Below are the 7 most commonly stolen car parts, why they’re taken, and how thieves usually remove them.

1. Catalytic converters

Most commonly stolen parts from cars are catalytic converters, hands down. These devices contain precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) and can be removed in minutes with a saw. Thieves typically target parked cars — especially trucks and SUVs with higher ground clearance — in poorly lit areas. Replacing a catalytic converter can cost thousands and leaves the vehicle undrivable until repaired.

 

2. Wheels and tires

Most commonly stolen parts from cars include wheels and tires, which are easy to jack up and remove. Thieves often work in small teams with basic tools (jack, wrench) and a quick getaway vehicle. Premium rims and performance tires fetch good money on the aftermarket, making them frequent targets.

 

3. Infotainment systems and GPS units

Most commonly stolen parts from cars include stereos, head units, and built-in screens. These items are portable, easy to resale, and often undeterrable from personal vehicles parked in public lots. Thieves commonly smash windows to access the dash quickly.

 

4. Airbags

Most commonly stolen parts from cars are airbags, oddly enough. Because airbags are expensive to replace and in demand by fraud rings and repair shops seeking cheaper parts, thieves will remove deployed or new airbags for resale. Airbag theft often follows collisions, or targets vehicles in repair yards.

 

5. Side mirrors and exterior trim

Most commonly stolen parts from cars include side mirrors, badges, and chrome trim pieces. These are relatively quick to remove, especially from older models, and are useful on used cars needing cosmetic repairs.

 

6. Fuel (diesel siphoning)

Most commonly stolen parts from cars include fuel — particularly diesel — siphoned from trucks, buses, and fleet vehicles. Thieves target business fleets and construction sites where vehicles are parked overnight. Fuel theft is low-tech but high-cost and disruptive to operations.

But with fuel theft there is a new trend emerging!

Fuel thieves are now drilling holes in fuel tanks! We don’t have to explain how much this negatively affects vehicle owners. Some thieves are cutting off your catalytic converter AND drilling your gas tank, all in one shot!

 

7. License plates and VIN-tagged components

License plates and parts tied to a vehicle’s identity are also being stolen. Stolen plates are used to hide criminal activity and to move stolen vehicles across jurisdictions; stolen VIN-tagged parts can be used to rebuild or disguise stolen cars.

 

Which brands and vehicles are targeted most

most commonly stolen parts from cars are found on a variety of vehicles, but certain makes and models are disproportionately at risk. Thieves look for vehicles that combine easy access with high resale value for parts.

Pickups and SUVs (Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram) are frequently targeted because of abundant aftermarket demand, higher ground clearance (easier catalytic converter access), and often parked in commercial lots or apartment complexes.

Japanese sedans (Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima) are regular targets for stereo and wheel theft due to sheer numbers on the road and strong parts resale markets.

Luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus) attract thieves for airbags, infotainment systems, and high-end wheels—items that command premium resale prices.

Older model SUVs (older Toyota and Nissan SUVs) may be targeted for catalytic converters and wheels, while some niche models are targeted for specific high-demand parts.

 

How thieves sell stolen car parts and vehicles

Parts from cars are funnelled into several resale channels. Understanding these pathways helps law enforcement and property managers intercept theft rings.

Parts from cars are sold through:

• Local pawn shops and scrap yards — catalytic converters and wheels are commonly dumped to scrap processors or quick-buy shops for cash.
• Online marketplaces — platforms allow fast anonymous listings for stereos, rims, and whole cars; thieves can reach buyers nationwide.
• Informal networks — known fences and repair shops in criminal circles buy parts for cash.
• Export and organized crime routes — high-value parts like airbags and catalytic converters may be shipped internationally to avoid local scrutiny.
• VIN swapping and rebuilding — entire stolen vehicles are laundered by switching plates or VINs and re-registered, then sold domestically.

Most commonly stolen parts from cars are also sold in bulk to unscrupulous dismantlers who disassemble whole cars and sell parts piecemeal. Because many of these transactions are cash-based and under the radar, tracing stolen parts becomes difficult.

 

Indicators of theft and reporting tips

Most commonly stolen parts from cars produce telltale signs — knowing them helps property managers and vehicle owners act fast.

Look for these indicators:

• Loud catalytic noises, check-engine lights, or visible gaps under the car.
• Missing wheels, lugs left behind, or cinderblocks in place of tires.
• Smashed windows, pry marks, or exposed dash wiring where stereos were removed.
• Empty engine bays or missing airbags shortly after a collision or while in storage.

Most commonly stolen parts from cars: report thefts immediately to local police and your insurer; provide photos, part serial numbers (if available), and surveillance footage. Quick, detailed reports increase the chance of recovery and prosecution.

 

Why deterrence works best for security and what deterrence looks like

Parts from cars are often taken opportunistically; most thieves move on when the risk is high or the environment hostile. Deterrence increases perceived and actual risk for criminals — that’s where property-level security makes the biggest difference.

Effective deterrence includes:

• Strong lighting and physical barriers (bollards, gated entries).
• Visible, active surveillance that draws attention and creates witnesses.
• Rapid-response systems that activate lights, sirens, or automated announcements.
• Regular security patrols and signage that warns of monitoring and prosecution.

For car dealerships and apartment complexes, the combination of visibility and rapid response is essential. Thieves avoid places where they could be seen, recorded, or forced to stop their operation mid-theft.

 

Why Mobile Surveillance Units are the best solution

Thieves stealing parts from cars are best deterred by Mobile Surveillance Units (MSUs). Here’s why MSUs outperform static cameras and traditional security alone.

Advantages of Mobile Surveillance Units:

• Rapid deployment: MSUs can be positioned where theft risk is highest — near loading zones, dealership lots, and apartment parking areas.
• High visibility: The presence of a mobile unit with flashing lights and signage alone deters opportunistic thieves.
• Active deterrence: Advanced units offer automated responses (spotlight, strobe, audio warnings) that interrupt thefts as they start.
• Integrated detection: Many MSUs combine radar, thermal, and motion sensors with AI-based analytics to detect suspicious behavior with fewer false alarms.
• Remote monitoring and recording: MSUs record events with high-resolution video, providing evidence for police and insurers and aiding prosecutions.
• Cost-effective: Compared to staffing a security team 24/7, MSUs provide continuous presence without the same labor costs.

For car dealerships and parking lots, an MSU is not just a camera — it’s a visible, actionable deterrent that makes your property unattractive to thieves. Deterrence is key — and MSUs create a sustained, proactive deterrent.

 

Layered prevention strategy for property managers

Parts stolen from cars are prevented most effectively when multiple defenses are layered together. Here’s a practical checklist you can implement today.

Practical layered strategy:

1. Lighting audit — eliminate dark pockets and improve visibility in parking areas.
2. Signage — use clear, repeated warnings that property is monitored and violators will be prosecuted.
3. Mobile Surveillance Units — position units to cover vulnerable zones and entry/exit points.
4. Physical measures — use wheel locks for high-risk vehicles, secure gates, and controlled access points.
5. Tenant communication — inform residents about vehicle safety: lock doors, remove valuables, and park in well-lit spots.
6. Patrol coordination — work with local law enforcement to increase presence during high-risk hours.
7. Record-keeping — log incidents, preserve footage, and report thefts quickly for faster investigations.

Remember — no single solution is perfect. Combining physical barriers, visible surveillance, and tenant engagement creates the highest chance of preventing theft.

 

What to do if your vehicle is targeted

Immediate actions if you’re a victim:

• Call local police and file a theft report immediately — get a report number for insurance claims.
• Preserve evidence — don’t touch the scene more than necessary; take photos.
• Contact your insurance company with the police report and photos.
• Check nearby surveillance (businesses, MSUs) and ask property managers to share footage with police.
• Consider preventative upgrades after the incident — tougher locks, parking in secured areas, and requesting MSU coverage for your property.

 

Why dealerships and apartment managers must act now

Stolen parts from cars threaten your bottom line and tenant satisfaction. A single catalytic converter theft or a string of break-ins can trigger a mass exodus of tenants, angry reviews, and legal exposure. For dealerships, it can mean lost inventory and massive repair costs. Deterrence — visible, technical, and proactive — is the only real defense.

Implementing Mobile Surveillance Units reduces liability, shows tenants you care about safety, and provides actionable evidence for prosecution. No one wants to go to court or lose tenants due to crimes at apartment building properties — investing in prevention is both prudent and profitable.

Most commonly stolen parts from cars are being stolen right now in many neighborhoods. If you manage property or own a dealership, act now: contact us to arrange a free site assessment and see how Mobile Surveillance Units can protect your lot. A timely deployment can stop thieves before they strike and give you peace of mind.

Stolen parts from cars are a modern plague on vehicle owners and property managers, but they are not inevitable. With layered defenses, strong deterrence, and the right technology — especially Mobile Surveillance Units — you can drastically reduce the risk of part theft, vehicle theft, catalytic converter theft, fuel theft, vandalism, and other crimes. Protect your tenants, your customers, and your community.

Remember: prevention saves money, time, and stress. If you’re ready to stop thefts on your property, request a consultation and discover how a targeted Mobile Surveillance Unit can transform security overnight.

Cars are being targeted in many communities — don’t wait until you’re the next victim. Contact our team now for a customized Mobile Surveillance Unit plan tailored to your parking lot or dealership. We’ll help you create a visible, effective deterrent so you can avoid court, protect tenants, and keep your property safe.