A reformed criminal has shared a surprising insight into the minds of car thieves, revealing that a messy interior is a key factor in selecting a target.
The Tell-Tale Sign of a Careless Owner
Michael, a former car thief who now works with ARF Investigations, explained that a cluttered car was a clear indicator for him. He stated that loose paperwork, visible bags, and general untidiness suggested the owner was careless and unlikely to have invested in additional security measures like signal-blocking pouches or immobilisers.
"If the inside was messy, it told me everything I needed to know about the owner," Michael said. "People who would leave a mess with all their paperwork or other items in their car wouldn't think about security. They wouldn't have signal pouches or immobilisers, and that made my job easy."
What Puts a Thief Off Your Car
Beyond what attracts thieves, Michael also detailed the major deterrents that would make him abandon a potential theft. The primary factor was ease of access and a quick getaway.
"What I would look out for is how quickly I could get the car out of the drive or parking space," he revealed. "If there were cars parked in front or behind it and it was a tight squeeze, then I wouldn't bother." He added that even minor obstacles like children's toys on a driveway would be enough for him to move on to an easier target.
The Motive Behind Most Car Thefts
Michael shed light on the common fate of stolen vehicles, confirming that most are taken for parts. The goal was a fast, low-risk operation to strip the value from the car and sell the components.
"If I could take a car, strip the value out and move them on the same night, then that was money for me," he explained. "The engine might have gone to a workshop while other parts went online."
Expressing remorse for his past actions, which led to a 30-month prison sentence, Michael concluded, "I'm not proud of what I used to do, I probably ruined many families' lives, but I'm no longer that person. I'm sharing this today so others can stop people like me from taking your possessions."
