Car thefts have become a growing concern in many major cities around the country, and Chicago is no exception. In recent years, there has been a worrisome surge in car thefts targeting local car dealerships, leaving the industry and car owners grappling with substantial losses.

This blog post aims to shed light on the current problem with car thefts from Chicago car dealerships, exploring the underlying reasons behind this trend and discussing potential solutions to mitigate the issue.

The Magnitude of the Problem

Car thefts have reached an alarming level within the city of Chicago, with car dealerships being increasingly targeted by criminals. These thefts are not limited to high-end luxury vehicles; rather, they encompass a wide range of makes and models. According to recent reports, hundreds of cars have been stolen from dealerships in the past year alone, causing immense financial losses to both businesses and consumers.

Experts believe the boom can only partially be explained by social media videos showing how some models can be hot-wired. Some crime experts blame the spike in car thefts on social media videos detailing how to steal vulnerable models of Kias and Hyundais, but research as of March 2023 showed those cars only accounted for about 40% of the thefts over the past year. Other top car models targeted for theft in Chicago were Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Jeep.

A recent report by the Council on Criminal Justice found motor vehicle thefts were up more than 20% percent in 2022 compared to 2021 in Chicago and dozens of other major cities. The most recent data reveals an even greater more recent surge.

An I-Team data analysis based on Chicago police numbers shows automobile thefts in the city have increased more than 70% in the last 12 months compared to the yearly average for 2020-2022. The data analysis shows that the majority of the thefts happen on the city’s South and West Sides, including the neighborhoods of Austin, South Shore, Near West Side, Chatham and Roseland.

There have been more than 20,000 cars stolen in Chicago from May 2022 to May 2023.

Factors Contributing to the Problem

• Weak Security Measures: Many car dealerships lack adequate security measures to deter potential car thieves. Insufficient lighting, outdated surveillance systems, and poorly maintained fences or gates provide criminals with opportunities to infiltrate these establishments unnoticed.
• Organized Criminal Networks: Sophisticated criminal organizations are involved in car theft rings, targeting dealerships as part of their operations. These networks have the resources, skills, and knowledge to bypass security systems, disable alarms, and swiftly steal multiple vehicles before authorities can respond.
• Easy Resale and Profit: Stolen cars can be easily sold in both legal and illegal markets. The existence of a robust black market for stolen vehicles incentivizes thieves, as they can quickly monetize their illicit gains. Moreover, the rise of online platforms and social media has facilitated the advertising and selling of stolen cars, further fueling this illicit trade.

Consequences for Car Dealerships and Owners

The surge in car thefts has severe consequences for both car dealerships and vehicle owners. For dealerships, the financial impact is twofold: the loss of inventory and potential damage to their reputation. Insurance coverage may help mitigate the financial losses, but it does not alleviate the disruption caused to daily operations or the potential loss of customer trust.

Car owners, on the other hand, not only face the financial burden of losing their vehicles but also endure the stress and inconvenience of navigating insurance claims, finding alternative transportation, and potentially dealing with identity theft if personal belongings were left inside the stolen cars.

Steps Towards Solutions

Strengthening Security Measures: Car dealerships must invest in robust security systems, including surveillance cameras and alarms. Adequate lighting should be installed to discourage thieves from approaching the premises. Additionally, hiring professional security personnel can provide an added layer of protection.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Car dealerships should establish strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. Sharing information about recent thefts, suspicious activities, and known criminal networks can aid in the identification and apprehension of thieves. Regular patrols near dealerships can also act as a deterrent.

Public Awareness and Education: Creating awareness among car owners and the general public about car theft risks is crucial. Dealerships can educate customers about security measures they can adopt to safeguard their vehicles, such as installing anti-theft devices, parking in well-lit areas, and never leaving keys inside the car.

Legislation and Stricter Penalties: Advocacy for stricter legislation and penalties for car theft can serve as a deterrent. Harsher punishments and more significant consequences for criminals involved in car theft can help dissuade potential offenders.

Chicago area auto dealers have every reason to be very concerned about the security of their dealership in 2023. Car thefts from Chicago car dealerships have become a prevalent issue, with significant implications for both businesses and car owners. Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, involving the implementation of robust security measures, collaboration between dealerships and law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and stricter penalties for offenders.

Given the range of security issues facing Chicago’s auto dealerships, it’s critical that car dealers are aware of threats and implement reliable solutions to protect their valuable inventory and customers. Without the proper car dealership security systems in place, your dealership could be next.

Blue Star Security’s highly experienced team of law enforcement officers works closely with auto dealerships to provide customized security solutions tailored to their needs. Committed to delivering unparalleled solutions for loss prevention and inventory protection, our team is skilled in assessing security issues and mitigating threats before they start. Car dealers invest far too much money into their inventory for security to be an afterthought.

Contact the Blue Star Security team to discuss a customized plan for the security of your car dealership: call us at 708-669-7470 or contact us online at https://bluestarsecurityllc.com/contact-us/

To learn more about Blue Star Security’s car dealership security services, https://bluestarsecurityllc.com/services/car-dealership-security/