Stay Alert, Las Vegas! Preventing Car Theft and What to Do If It Happens

To prevent car theft in Las Vegas, lock your car, take the keys and fob, park in a garage or well-lit area, keep valuables out of sight, and point a camera at where you park. If your car is stolen, confirm it was not towed, report it to LVMPD with your VIN and plate number, then call your insurance company. This post walks through both. For the latest burglary and car theft numbers by area, see our Las Vegas crime statistics page, which we keep updated from LVMPD data.

How cars get stolen

Older and newer vehicles are targeted in different ways. Older cars are more often taken with simple tools or smash-and-grab methods. Newer cars with keyless entry and push-button start can be targeted by thieves who exploit key fobs and use techniques shared online. Thefts from vehicles, where someone takes what is inside, tend to be crimes of opportunity, while stealing the vehicle itself is usually more planned.

Stolen vehicles are often stripped for parts, resold, or used in other crimes.

Auto theft safety tips

Prevention is always the best strategy. These steps make your vehicle a harder target:

• Keep your vehicle locked. Whether you are leaving the car for a minute or overnight, lock the doors and close the windows.
• Take your keys and fob. Never leave a spare key or fob in the car.
• Park smart. Use your garage if you have one. Otherwise, park in well-lit, busy areas, especially at night.
• Hide valuables. Electronics, bags, and shopping in plain sight invite a break-in, and once inside, a thief may take the whole car.
• Use anti-theft devices. A steering wheel lock, immobilizer, car alarm, or tracking device makes your car more difficult to take and easier to find.
• Never leave your car running unattended. It is tempting during summer heat, but an idling car is an easy target.
• Install home security cameras. Security cameras with person and vehicle detection send you an alert when someone approaches your car and give police video they can use. Make sure the camera actually covers where you park and that you know how to pull up and save footage.

What to do if your vehicle is stolen

Knowing what to do saves time when it matters most.

1. Confirm the theft. Make sure your vehicle was not towed or borrowed by someone you know.
2. Report it to the police. Contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as soon as you confirm it is gone. Tell them about any tracking device in the vehicle. Have these details ready:
   • Year, make, and model
   • Color (upper and lower if two-toned)
   • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
   • License plate number
   • Insurance company name and policy number
3. Contact your insurance company. Call as soon as you have the police report.
4. Report the theft to the DMV if required. Depending on state requirements, you may also need to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles so the vehicle is flagged as stolen.
5. Watch for identity theft. If personal documents were in the car, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
6. Watch local resale listings. If you spot your vehicle or parts for sale, tell the police. Do not try to recover it yourself.

Protect your home, too

The same habits that protect your car protect your home. A monitored home security system with door and window sensors, cameras, and a video doorbell makes your property a harder target and gives you an alert the moment something happens. Ask about burglar alarm and intrusion detection options or call (702) 737-8464.