A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of vehicle theft.
More than 650,000 vehicles were stolen nationwide in 2025, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Maryland, a vehicle is stolen about every 27 minutes, according to the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.
To help prevent vehicle theft:
Lock all doors and close windows whenever leaving your vehicle.
Take keys and key fobs with you.
Never leave a running vehicle unattended.
Park in well-lit areas when possible.
Remove valuables or keep them out of sight.
Consider using anti-theft devices, such as steering-wheel locks, vehicle immobilizers, alarms or vehicle tracking systems.
Owners should also check with their manufacturer or dealership for security updates, recalls or theft-prevention measures specific to their vehicle.
