July Is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month: How Dealerships Can Stay Protected
Every July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights a problem that hits close to home for dealerships and drivers alike—vehicle theft.
While theft rates dropped 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year, over 850,000 vehicles were still stolen, costing Americans more than $8 billion annually. Passenger cars remain the primary target, with theft rates peaking in the summer months.
For dealerships with valuable inventory sitting on lots, this issue is more than a statistic—it’s a daily security challenge.
Why This Matters to Dealerships
Vehicle theft isn’t just about a stolen car. For dealerships, it can mean:
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Lost revenue on inventory that vanishes overnight
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Insurance complications and higher premiums
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Damage to your dealership’s reputation if thefts occur on your lot
Even worse, thieves are getting more sophisticated. Common tactics now include:
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Altering VIN plates and barcode scans to create fake “clean” titles
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Selling stolen vehicles online to unsuspecting buyers, or even back to dealerships
If your dealership isn’t proactive, you could unknowingly buy a stolen vehicle at auction or trade-in.
Where Vehicle Theft Hits the Hardest
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, these states saw the highest theft rates in 2024:
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California
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Texas
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Florida
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Illinois
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Washington
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New York
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Colorado
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North Carolina
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Ohio
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Missouri
If you’re in one of these states—or even near them—your lot security needs to be a top priority.
How Dealerships Can Prevent Vehicle Theft
Whether you’re protecting your lot, service area, or trade-ins, these simple steps can save you from costly headaches:
✅ Always inspect multiple VIN locations on a vehicle for discrepancies before accepting it as a trade-in or auction purchase.
✅ Scan the VIN barcode on the driver’s door or dashboard to ensure it matches the title and vehicle details.
✅ Run a CarFax or similar report to check for theft history, salvage titles, or suspicious activity.
✅ Ask sellers detailed questions about prior ownership and the reason for selling.
✅ Secure your inventory after hours—lock windows and doors, remove keys, and consider anti-theft accessories for high-value vehicles.
✅ Never leave running vehicles unattended, even for quick customer test drives.
✅ Report suspicious behavior immediately to law enforcement.
Dealership Lot Security: Small Investments, Big Protection
At Auto Store Supply, we know theft prevention goes beyond awareness—it’s about having the right security tools and supplies in place.
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Key lock boxes to prevent easy access
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Steering wheel locks & anti-theft devices for vulnerable models
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Lot signage that deters criminals and shows you’re protected
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Motion lighting and camera systems for after-hours security
A little preparation now can save thousands in lost inventory and reputation damage later.
Stay Informed
Want to dig deeper into theft trends and prevention strategies?
This July, take a few minutes to assess your dealership’s security. Is your lot as secure as it could be?
If you’re ready to upgrade your dealership's theft prevention setup, Auto Store Supply has key boxes and other products that can help you find the right security solutions.
