How to Stop Them
For most car dealerships, the idea of waking up to find multiple vehicles stolen or tens of thousands of dollars in missing parts is a nightmare scenario. Unfortunately, for many dealerships, it’s not just a possibility—it’s a harsh reality.
Car dealerships across the country have suffered massive financial losses due to theft, with some incidents making national headlines. The worst part? Many of these crimes could have been prevented with the right security measures in place.
High-Profile Dealership Thefts: Costly Lessons Learned
Let’s take a look at some of the worst car dealership thefts in recent years and the security mistakes that made them possible.
$2.3 Million in Stolen Luxury Cars
An international car theft ring targeted high-end dealerships in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, using a simple yet highly effective strategy:
✔ Thieves entered dealerships early in the morning, just after the service department opened.
✔ With service staff busy assisting customers, they sneaked into the sales department and stole unsecured car keys.
✔ Later that night, they returned to the lot and simply drove off with the stolen vehicles.
This theft ring exposed a critical security failure—dealerships were leaving keys in unsecured areas, making it incredibly easy for criminals to steal high-value cars.
$300,000 in Tires and Wheels Stolen in Texas
In Leon Valley, Texas, thieves stole tires and wheels from 45 vehicles, causing losses of over $300,000.
✔ It took just six thieves less than seven minutes per vehicle.
✔ Surveillance cameras failed to capture the crime.
A similar theft occurred in Tyler, Texas, where $250,000 worth of wheels and tires were stolen from 48 vehicles overnight.
In both cases, thieves were able to disable outdoor security lighting, making security cameras completely useless. These incidents highlight a major flaw in dealership security—the reliance on unmanned surveillance systems without active monitoring.
100 Cars Stolen in Just Two Weeks
A stolen car ring in Northeast Ohio managed to take nearly 100 vehicles from a dozen dealerships in just two weeks.
✔ Thieves found and exploited weaknesses in how dealerships secured their keys.
✔ Lack of on-site security allowed repeated thefts to occur.
Similarly, in Pompano Beach, Florida, thieves stole 13 vehicles worth $240,000 by taking advantage of keys that weren’t properly secured at night.
How Car Dealerships Can Protect Themselves
These major thefts were not random—they were the result of predictable security failures. Here’s how dealerships can take proactive measures to prevent theft:
1️⃣ Secure All Keys
🔹 Never leave keys in the sales department overnight—use locked safes or key-tracking systems.
🔹 Train all staff to ensure that keys are accounted for at all times.
2️⃣ Invest in Monitored Security Systems
🔹 Unmanned surveillance cameras are not enough—have real-time monitoring with security personnel.
🔹 Install motion-activated lighting to prevent criminals from disabling cameras.
3️⃣ Implement Security Patrols
🔹 A combination of cameras and physical security patrols is the best deterrent.
🔹 Having trained security officers on-site can stop theft before it happens.
4️⃣ Train Staff to Identify Suspicious Behavior
🔹 Educate employees on common theft tactics, such as:
✔ Groups entering the dealership and splitting up.
✔ People repeatedly checking for weak security spots.
✔ Vehicles circling the lot at odd hours.
5️⃣ Lock Down High-Risk Areas
🔹 Secure showroom and lot entrances with reinforced barriers overnight.
🔹 Consider using vehicle immobilizers to prevent easy theft.
The Bottom Line
Car dealerships are prime targets for professional thieves, and the cost of inaction is simply too high. While many business owners assume insurance will cover their losses, the reality is that preventing theft is far less expensive than dealing with its aftermath.
By securing keys, upgrading security systems, and investing in professional patrols, dealerships can protect their assets and avoid devastating financial losses.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—invest in security now.