Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention: Simple Habits That Can Protect Your Car

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Vehicle theft can affect drivers in any community, from busy neighborhoods in Baltimore and Washington to smaller towns in Southern Maryland. While no security measure can eliminate risk entirely, consistent daily habits can make a vehicle less attractive to thieves and reduce the chance of becoming a target.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and the Maryland Department of State Police and the state’s Vehicle Theft Prevention Council are using the occasion to remind drivers that a vehicle is stolen in Maryland roughly every 22 minutes. For Maryland drivers in St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, Anne Arundel and surrounding counties, practical prevention often comes down to paying attention to small details. Whether you park in a driveway, apartment lot, commuter garage or on a city street, taking a few extra moments before walking away from your vehicle can make a meaningful difference.

Lock Your Vehicle Every Time

One of the simplest steps is also one of the most important. Always lock your doors and close every window before leaving your vehicle, even if you expect to be away for only a few minutes.

Unlocked vehicles provide an easy opportunity for thieves looking for quick access. According to the Maryland Department of State Police, 60% of vehicles stolen in Maryland were left unlocked, making this one of the most common and most preventable factors behind auto theft. Double-checking that your vehicle is secure should become part of your routine whenever you park at a grocery store, a trailhead, a sports field or your own home.

If your vehicle has a remote locking system, confirm that it actually locked instead of assuming the button worked.

Never Leave Keys Or Key Fobs Inside

Modern vehicles often rely on electronic key fobs, making convenience a normal part of everyday driving. That convenience also creates risk if a key or fob is left inside the vehicle. State police statistics show that in 50% of Maryland vehicle thefts, the keys or fob were left inside the vehicle, according to the Maryland Department of State Police.

Avoid leaving spare keys under floor mats, inside center consoles or anywhere else in the vehicle. Those hiding places are well known.

At home, store key fobs away from doors and windows where they are less accessible to someone outside the home. Keeping track of all vehicle keys also makes it easier to notice quickly if one is missing.

Remove Valuables From Sight

Items left in plain view can encourage someone to break into a vehicle. Even if a thief is not intending to steal the vehicle itself, a break-in can lead to expensive repairs and the loss of personal property.

Whenever possible, take valuables with you instead of storing them in the vehicle, a habit the Maryland Department of State Police lists among its core vehicle theft prevention tips.

Park In Well-Lit, Visible Areas

Where you park matters. Choose well-lit locations with regular foot traffic whenever practical. State police note that roughly two-thirds of Maryland vehicle thefts, 66%, happen at night, according to the Maryland Department of State Police, underscoring why lighting and visibility matter most after dark. Parking near building entrances, security cameras or attended areas may discourage criminal activity.

At home, use a garage if available. If you park outside, keep exterior lighting in good working order and consider motion-activated lights around driveways and parking areas.

Residents of apartment communities may also benefit from reporting broken lights, damaged gates or other security concerns to property management.

Stay Aware In Public Places

Drivers often focus on getting to their destination and may not notice suspicious activity nearby. The Maryland Department of State Police recommends staying alert as you approach your vehicle: have your keys ready before you arrive, look over the vehicle and surrounding area for anything unusual, and lock the doors immediately after getting in.

If something feels unusual, consider choosing another parking location or returning later with another person if practical. Local police departments, including the Anne Arundel County Police Department, encourage residents to report suspicious activity or persons through their non-emergency and online reporting channels, and to call 911 for anything requiring an immediate response.

Prevention Is An Ongoing Effort

Maryland vehicle theft prevention is not about relying on a single product or technique. Instead, it involves combining smart parking choices, careful key management, secure storage of valuables and consistent use of vehicle security features.

The state’s approach combines public awareness with dedicated resources: the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, created in 1994 and overseen by the Maryland Department of State Police, says it has helped reduce vehicle thefts statewide by nearly 37% since its founding, and the council awarded $2.4 million in grants for 2026 to support local law enforcement and public education efforts, including an annual student public service announcement contest.

These habits require little time but can help reduce opportunities for theft. Whether you commute into Washington, drive through Anne Arundel County, run errands in Charles County or travel throughout Southern Maryland, taking a few preventive steps every day can help protect both your vehicle and your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

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