Automobiles and Transportation : My dad seems to think nicer new cars are more at risk for break-ins/muggings.

My dad seems to think nicer new cars are more at risk for break-ins/muggings.

I don't think that's true.

Let's just say I have a brand new BMW right off the lot. My dad tells me not to drive through gang-infested areas as my car is not just a target for muggings, break-ins, and carjacking - but more of a target than an average car, because they think the driver has money.

While those areas are unsafe for anyone, I don't think this is true at all.

I think average cars are more likely to broken into if left parked overnight. Say, a 2006 Honda Civic, 2009 Chevy Cobalt, 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. Those types of cars. This is because, criminals figure the driver is not an important person, and therefore expendable, and therefore can get away with the crime. Also, the cars are more theft-accessible allowing for easier hubcap theft, radio theft, whatever.

But say a Tesla is driving through gang alley. Teslas are $120,000+ cars. Carjackers are going to be more hesitant to carjack you in a Tesla and drive off:

1. They'll think you're a wealthy privileged person who has power, and may be a doctor, lawyer, FBI agent, Elon Musk, whatever; in other words someone with connections who can destroy them.

2. They know owners are going to care about finding these cars and penalising the thieves, not simply going to satisfied with claiming the loss on the insurance and buying another one.

3. They're unsure if the car has a tracking device or a fancy alarm system. Or a device to disable the car that the owner has on him.

Thieves want to break into and steal cars but they also don't want to be caught. They're going to steal from cars they perceive to be teenage or young drivers, or middle class drivers, particular your preowned Ford Focuses, Nissan Sentras.

No car is safe, but obviously, the nicer car you have, the more it serves as a deterrent to crime.

Monster, how should I feel? Creatures lie here, looking through the window.

Re: My dad seems to think nicer new cars are more at risk for break-ins/muggings

Thieves and muggers, many of whom are high out of their minds, are not worried about getting caught and they know how to disable tracking devices quickly and sell the car to a chop shop. Your dad is correct.

My password is password
Top