Car thieves are working overtime, swiping more than 1 million cars in the United States in 2023, a number that has climbed by about 25 percent in recent years. A car was stolen every 31 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2022, the most-stolen vehicle in America was a full-size pickup truck, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Then Kias and Hyundais became popular among thieves, thanks to a regulatory loophole that didn’t require certain models to have immobilizers, which require a key or fob to start the engine.

But there’s good news amid all of this. Research shows that more than half of those thefts could have been easily prevented. Between new technology, some old-school techniques and common sense, there are ways to thwart the nation’s busy criminals. Here are five ways to do it:

Common Sense Practices

Let’s start with the obvious. If you can, park your car in well-lit areas. Spring for the extra $20 to park in a garage (it’s a good investment in your safety, too). Do not leave your keys in the car, even locked in the glove box. Close the windows, all the way.

Do not leave valuables that can be seen, such as a purse, backpack, laptop, camera, or a tempting package. If thieves can see bonus items on display, it is an invitation to pick your car instead of another target.

It seems like common sense, but you must practice it regularly—every time to park your car.

Hide Your Fob

Smart keys were the beginning of a huge breakthrough in anti-theft devices for your car. You push the button, hear the beep and walk away knowing that the alarm is armed and the car is locked.

But you know those awesome features on your keyless fob that unlock the door from your back pocket, while your arms are loaded with groceries? If that fob is too close to your car, on a hook or in the key basket next to the front door, there are sophisticated thieves who can trace those signals and know your car can be easily unlocked, according to the American Automobile Association.

Turn the signal off, store your keys farther from your car, or slip the fob into a special bag called a Faraday Pouch that blocks the signal. They are available for about $10.

Go Old Skool

No aftermarket anti-theft device is foolproof. A determined thief can hack or cut through just about anything: bar, cable or lock. But that requires extra work and time, something thieves don’t love. So, the bright colors and mere presence of many of these devices are often enough to make a savvy and fast-moving car thief take a pass on your ride.

Anyone who was driving in the 1990s will remember The Club, a steering wheel lock invented by a guy in Pennsylvania who remembered the Jeep locks on Army vehicles when his own Cadillac was stolen. They’re still around for less than $40 and yes, they still work.

Don’t forget the Wheels

Sometimes, thieves strike and leave your car behind—on cinderblocks. Wheels are high-profit, low-risk targets for thieves. While there are hulking wheel locks you can buy that look like the “boot” that municipalities use, the easiest way to keep your wheels safe is to use locking lug nuts.

These are lug nuts that can only be removed with a master key that comes with them. The locking nuts and the key cost about $20 and a lot of dealerships sell them, too.

Vehicle Trackers

If your car is stolen, call police right away. If you have a GPS tracker on it, you may get your car back in no time.

One affordable and easy way to track your car is to use a tiny Apple AirTag or similar tracking tag. They may not all be made to find cars and may not pinpoint the exact location, but they’re easy to hide and follow and you can help police track the car using your phone.

There are also purpose-made car trackers, which many companies use to track the cars in their fleets. They cost less than $50 and trace a car, even if the engine is turned off.

Of course, not every car has the latest in alarms, immobilizers and other anti-theft devices. If you are ready to upgrade to a new car that has these modern features, start by getting pre-qualified for auto financing through Credit Acceptance. You will receive important information that can help you set your budget and begin your search for your next vehicle.