What items are stolen the most from vehicles in Maine? It’s usually a theft of smaller items that a thief can grab quickly and get away.

National Trends

These patterns fit national trends and happen all over the place including in our neighborhoods in Maine.

Money and Personal Items

Items that are visible in the vehicle are easy targets. Portable and available things go first. Anything from cell phones, laptops, purses, wallets and loose change are among the many sought after items.

Tools, Gear and Equipment

Tools, outdoor gear and firearms are also stolen from trucks and cars. Not to mention stereo equipment, especially speakers.

Car Parts

Catalytic converters are a prime target and have been in demand for robbers. It takes extra work to steal, but the payoff can be big.

Reduce Crime

To reduce this type of crime, lock your car doors and don’t leave anything of value in the vehicle. It may not stop them, but it might.

Common Items Stolen

Here are some of the most common items stolen from cars and trucks in Maine.

Money

Dmitriy Melnikov/Thinkstock
Dmitriy Melnikov/Thinkstock
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Cash and Coins in vehicles are some of the easiest things to steal. Most cars have some change in it, but minimizing the amount is a good idea.

Smartphones

LDProd/Thinkstock
LDProd/Thinkstock
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Electronics are the first to go. They are valuable, useful and easy for thieves to grab and go. Cell phones are easy to take and are often stolen.

Laptops and Computers

scanrail/Thinkstock
scanrail/Thinkstock
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Laptops left in the vehicle are what criminals are looking for. They can sell it, pawn it or get important info from your files.

Purses, Bags and Wallets

Getty Images/iStockphoto
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Purses, bags and wallets are easy targets. They contain more than just money. Personal information like a license and credit cards are dangerous in the hands of thieves.

Car Parts

Tony Savino/Thinkstock
Tony Savino/Thinkstock
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Car parts like a catalytic converter are coveted items. It takes a lot of effort to remove them from under the vehicle, but they are high priced items and in demand. Tires and other accessories can be taken too.

Firearms and Guns

K_E_N/Thinkstock
K_E_N/Thinkstock
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Firearms and guns are being taken on a regular basis. Not only is it theft, but it’s dangerous. No one wants a gun in the wrong hands.

Tools

Les Cunliffe/Thinkstock
Les Cunliffe/Thinkstock
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Tools work for everyone. They are easily resold after a break-in and are hard to trace. It’s difficult to unload all the tools from some vehicles, so locking up is the best solution.

Audio Gear

bizoo_n/Thinkstock
bizoo_n/Thinkstock
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Stereos and speakers are in demand items for thieves. Audio equipment has adapted over the years and is not as easily removed, but speakers are worth something and can be taken pretty quickly.

Lock Up and Remove Valuables

The best advice from professionals is to lock your doors and remove anything of value from your vehicle when unattended. Report any items stolen ASAP so police can help retrieve the stolen goods.

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