Texas, January 28, 2026
Texas is witnessing an alarming rise in car thefts, with 65% occurring away from owners’ residences. Key locations for these incidents include parking lots, streets, and commercial buildings. Factors such as high traffic, poor lighting, and owner negligence contribute to the increase. Vehicle owners are urged to adopt preventive measures, such as locking doors and parking in well-lit areas, to safeguard their cars. This trend aligns with national patterns, underscoring the importance of vigilance in protecting vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of car thefts in Texas occur away from home?
65% of car thefts in Texas occur when vehicles are parked away from their owners’ residences.
What are the most common locations for vehicle thefts away from home in Texas?
The most common locations include parking lots and garages (51%), streets and highways (20%), commercial and office buildings (5%), hotels and motels (4%), and specialty stores (3%).
What factors contribute to the increased risk of vehicle thefts away from home?
Factors include high-traffic areas, poor lighting and surveillance, and owner negligence such as leaving doors unlocked or valuables in plain sight.
What preventive measures can vehicle owners take to reduce the risk of theft?
Owners should always lock doors and windows, park in well-lit and populated areas, remove valuables from sight, and never leave the vehicle running unattended.
How does the rise in vehicle thefts away from home compare to national trends?
The trend in Texas mirrors national patterns, where vehicle thefts are more likely to occur away from home than at the owner’s residence.
Car Theft on the Rise: 65% of Texas Thefts Occur Away from Home
Texas is experiencing a significant increase in car thefts, with 65% of these incidents occurring when vehicles are parked away from their owners’ residences. This trend highlights the growing risks associated with leaving cars unattended in public spaces.
Recent Data on Car Thefts in Texas
Over the past five years, Texas has reported a total of 491,974 vehicle thefts. Notably, 65% of these thefts took place when vehicles were parked away from home, while 35% occurred at or near the owner’s residence. This pattern mirrors national trends, where vehicle thefts are more likely to occur away from home than at the owner’s residence.
Common Locations for Vehicle Thefts Away from Home
When vehicles are stolen away from home, certain locations are more frequently targeted:
| Location | Percentage of Thefts |
|---|---|
| Parking Lots and Garages | 51% |
| Streets and Highways | 20% |
| Commercial and Office Buildings | 5% |
| Hotels and Motels | 4% |
| Specialty Stores | 3% |
Factors Contributing to Increased Risk
Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of vehicle thefts away from home:
- High-Traffic Areas: Busy locations with frequent foot traffic can attract thieves seeking opportunities.
- Poor Lighting and Surveillance: Areas lacking adequate lighting or security measures are more susceptible to theft.
- Owner Negligence: Leaving doors unlocked, valuables in plain sight, or vehicles running unattended increases the likelihood of theft.
Preventive Measures for Vehicle Owners
To reduce the risk of vehicle theft, owners are advised to take the following precautions:
- Always Lock Doors and Windows: Ensure all entry points are secured when leaving the vehicle.
- Park in Well-Lit, Populated Areas: Choose locations with high visibility and foot traffic to deter potential thieves.
- Remove Valuables from Sight: Keep personal items out of view to avoid attracting attention.
- Never Leave the Vehicle Running Unattended: Always turn off the engine and take the keys when exiting the vehicle.
Understanding the Broader Context
Vehicle thefts have been on the rise nationwide, with over 850,700 incidents reported in 2024. Texas ranks second in the nation for vehicle thefts, with 115,013 reported in 2023. The increase in thefts away from home underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures by vehicle owners to protect their property.
Conclusion
As car thefts rise in Texas, particularly away from home, it’s essential for vehicle owners to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures. By securing their vehicles, choosing safer parking locations, and being mindful of their personal items, residents can contribute to reducing this growing issue. Staying informed and proactive will not only benefit individual vehicle owners but also promote a more secure environment for all in Dallas and beyond.
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
