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Auto Theft At Dealerships Is Rising—Here’s How To Prevent It

Writer: Greg AyresGreg Ayres

Auto dealerships are prime targets for criminals, with vehicle thefts costing businesses millions in losses each year. Organized theft rings, smash-and-grab tactics, and key fob cloning are making it easier than ever for criminals to steal high-value vehicles. But what if you could stop these crimes before they even happen?


With iDter’s advanced security technology, auto dealerships can take a proactive stance against theft, securing inventory and helping employees and customers remain safe.


Auto Dealership Theft Is On The Rise: The Hard Facts


Auto dealership theft is a growing concern, with crime rates escalating year after year. Consider these alarming statistics:

  • Over 1 million vehicles were reported stolen in the United States, with approximately 40% of these thefts occurring at auto dealerships. (Source: LotGuard)

  • Between November 2022 and March 2023, an organized theft ring stole 86 vehicles from dealerships across 27 cities. (Source: 1Micro)

  • Car theft in general has increased by 17% nationwide from 2019 to 2021, and is still on the rise, with thieves targeting dealerships due to high-value inventory. (Source: NICB)


These statistics make it clear: traditional security measures alone are not enough. Dealerships need a smarter, faster way to prevent theft before it occurs.


High-Target Cities For Auto Dealership Theft


While auto dealership theft is a nationwide issue, certain cities experience significantly higher rates of stolen vehicles due to organized crime rings, high demand for stolen parts, and weaker security measures. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and recent police reports, the following cities rank among the top for auto theft, including thefts at dealerships:


1. Denver, CO

Denver has seen a massive spike in auto theft, ranking among the highest per capita in the U.S. Criminal groups target dealerships for high-value vehicles, often using stolen key fobs or breaking into service areas.


2. Houston, TX

As one of the largest metro areas in the U.S., Houston consistently ranks high for vehicle thefts. Organized crime rings frequently steal cars from dealerships and ship them overseas or sell them with fake VINs.


3. Los Angeles, CA

With its massive volume of vehicles, Los Angeles is a hotspot for auto theft, including break-ins at dealerships. Many stolen cars are quickly dismantled for parts or driven across the border into Mexico.


4. Chicago, IL

Auto dealership thefts in Chicago have risen dramatically, with thieves targeting key drop boxes and cutting through fences to access inventory. The city’s high crime rates make it a challenging environment for dealerships without strong security measures.


5. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta has seen an increase in auto dealership break-ins, particularly from theft rings that specialize in stealing high-end vehicles and reselling them out of state.


Why Traditional Security Measures Fall Short

Many dealerships rely on basic security systems like surveillance cameras, fencing, and motion lights. While these measures provide some deterrence, they often fail to stop criminals in real-time. Here’s why:


1. Security Cameras Only Record Crime—They Don’t Prevent It

Surveillance footage is valuable for identifying suspects after a crime has occurred, but it does little to stop theft in the moment. Most criminals wear masks or hoodies, making it difficult to identify them even with high-resolution video.


2. Alarm Systems Are Reactive, Not Proactive

Many traditional alarm systems require human intervention to trigger a response. By the time authorities are alerted, thieves have already stolen vehicles and fled the scene.


3. Thieves Are Getting Smarter

Criminals are using advanced tactics like relay attacks to clone key fobs, cutting through perimeter fencing, and even posing as employees to gain access to vehicles. Standard security solutions aren’t equipped to counter these evolving threats.


How iDter Can Protect High-Risk Dealerships


iDter has been proven to prevent over 98% of crimes before they escalate, thanks to its autonomous, proactive approach. Dealerships using iDter have reported:

  • Fewer break-ins and reduced attempted vehicle thefts.

  • Lower insurance costs due to improved security.

  • Increased peace of mind for business owners, employees, and customers.


Protect Your Dealership With iDter’s AI Security System


With vehicle theft on the rise, waiting until a crime happens is no longer an option. iDter offers a proven, proactive solution to stop criminals before they can cause damage. With AI-powered detection, instant deterrence, and live monitoring, iDter ensures that trespassers and criminals are quickly identified and confronted before they can cause damage or steal valuable inventory.


Take the next step in dealership security. Contact iDter today and learn how we safeguard your business and inventory.

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