What is Car Theft Called? A Comprehensive Guide

As an auto theft investigator once told me, "A car thief goes by many names – but we just call them defendants." Car theft has many monikers, from formal legal terms to colorful slang expressions. Let‘s explore them in depth, and what exactly makes something qualify as grand theft auto.

I‘m Terry and I‘ve spent years researching auto crime and emerging vehicle security threats. Strap in – we have a lot of ground to cover in understanding how to prevent your ride from being the next target.

Legal Classifications of Car Theft

Law enforcement and prosecutors use specific language to describe car theft based on details of the crime:

• Grand theft auto – Taking a vehicle valued above a threshold set in that state, typically $400-$1000. This makes it a felony charge.

• Petty theft auto – When the car‘s value falls below the grand theft limit. A misdemeanor.

• Robbery – Using force or threat when stealing a vehicle.

• Larceny – Taking a vehicle without the owner‘s consent, but without force. Most car thefts fall under this category.

• Joyriding – Taking someone‘s car temporarily without intent to steal it permanently. Still a crime in most states even if returned.

Let‘s look at some examples to understand the distinctions:

• Bobby broke into a parking garage and drove off in a BMW worth $60,000. It‘s grand theft auto since the car value far exceeds the limit.

• Alex borrowed his roommate‘s old Honda Civic to "grab some smokes." But he returned it in under an hour. This is likely joyriding – no intent to permanently deprive the owner.

• A carjacker pulled a gun and forced a driver out of her new SUV. This is robbery due to use of force and threats.

The charges brought depend heavily on the car‘s value and the circumstances of the theft. But as we‘ll see, car thieves employ many methods besides strong-arm robbery.

Common Terms for Car Theft

Beyond the legal lexicon, you‘ll hear informal terms used to describe motor vehicle theft:

• Joyriding – Taking someone‘s car for a ride without intent to steal it. But joyrides often end badly in crashes or arrests.

• Carjacking – Forcibly stealing a vehicle directly from the driver. Can turn into armed robbery.

• Stealing a ride – A casual term for taking someone‘s car without their consent.

Some slang terms you might hear for auto theft suspects:

• Half-inchers
• Knock-off men
• Stealie wheels
• Ride robbers

While colorful, these criminals face serious consequences if caught. Which brings us to…

Car Theft Statistics and Trends

Let‘s examine the latest data on auto thefts nationwide and in the highest risk areas. According to FBI figures:

• Over 800,000 vehicles were reported stolen in 2020 in the United States, up from 725,000 in 2019.

• The top three stolen models were the Ford F-150 pickup, Honda Civic sedan, and Chevy Pickup truck.

Here are the 10 states with the highest and lowest car theft rates per 100,000 residents:

State	Thefts per 100k
New Mexico	519
Nevada	503
California	437
Colorado	363
Oregon	349
Washington	336
Alaska	320
Arizona	313
Oklahoma	309
Hawaii	295

State	Thefts per 100k
Vermont	36
Maine	55
West Virginia	56
Virginia	126
Kentucky	128
Indiana	133
Wyoming	137
Pennsylvania	175
Wisconsin	176
Ohio	185

The West and South tend to have higher rates of car theft. But as we‘ll discuss shortly, location is just one factor that makes certain cars targets.

How Thieves Steal Cars

Car thieves are an industrious bunch, employing a wide array of methods to snatch rides. These include:

Relay Attacks

Thieves use devices to amplify the signal from a key fob to unlock and start the car. Rides parked on the street are vulnerable. This tactic allows access without any damage to the vehicle.

Hacking Keyless Entry Systems

The computer brains of modern vehicles can be exploited. Clever hackers can spoof signals and override security features.

Stealing Keys

Keys lifted from homes, dealerships, valets or during test drives grant easy access. Nearly 25% of thefts involve stolen keys.

Hotwiring

Bypassing the ignition lock cylinder and connecting wires to start the engine is a classic technique. But immobilizers have made this less common.

Carjacking

Taking a vehicle by force remains a threat. Nearly 15,000 carjackings occurred in 2020.

Organized Theft Rings

Professional thieves with inside access can steal large volumes of cars for export or to chop shops. Beware valets with sticky fingers!

With this overview of how cars go missing, let‘s take a deeper look at measures to secure your ride…

Securing Your Vehicle from Theft

While car thieves are crafty, the right precautions can drastically reduce your risk. Here are tips tailored to different theft methods:

For Relay Attacks

• Use RFID blocking bag/pouch for key fob when not driving

• Upgrade to newer fob models with encryption

• Consider steering wheel lock or aftermarket alarm system

For Keyless Entry Hacks

• Check for recalls and install any security patches

• Keep fob in Faraday cage bag or your fridge to block signals

• Enable PIN code access or dual authentication if available

For Stolen Keys

• Keep spare keys in a hidden, locked location – not the usual spots!

• Install tamper-resistant bolts on license plate

• Never leave keys in vehicle, even hidden

For Hotwiring

• Install ignition kill switch only you control

• Use brake pedal lock when parked

• Get professionally installed alarm system

For Carjacking

• Keep doors locked and windows up in parking lots

• Be alert when approaching/leaving vehicle

• Consider self-defense training and tools

Taking the right precautions tailored to your unique risks really bolsters your defenses against car thieves.

Punishments for Grand Theft Auto

In all states, penalties for car theft escalate based on prior record and value of the vehicle stolen. For grand theft auto, punishments often include:

• Over $400-1000 stolen value makes it a felony

• Minimum 1-3 years prison time, up to 10+ years

• Fines up to $20,000 in some states

• Probation or parole post-release

• License suspension after conviction

• Increased penalties for repeat offenders

Car thieves face significant jail time and fines if convicted. And auto theft is notoriously difficult to conceal long-term. For example, evidence like fingerprints or blood left in a recovered vehicle can come back to haunt thieves years later as forensic techniques improve.

Closing Perspective on Car Theft

At the end of the day, protecting your ride requires diligence against determined car thieves. While incidents are declining, auto theft still impacts hundreds of thousands annually. I hope reviewing the common monikers for auto criminals, latest theft trends and techniques, and smart precautions against thieves gives you new insight and actionable steps.

Your ride‘s safety starts with you – so stay several steps ahead of the joyriders, signal stealers and grand theft schemers out there! With awareness and precaution, you can keep your car keys in your pocket where they belong.

Stay safe on the roads,

Terry W.
Tech Expert