Texas Car Theft Rate Heat Map By County

f you’re a vehicle owner in Texas, here’s the deal: Texas car theft is on the rise, and 2022 brought some of the most shocking numbers we’ve seen. Whether you live in major urban centers like Houston or quieter counties, the data shows no one is entirely safe.

But here’s the good news—you can act now to safeguard your vehicle and avoid becoming another statistic. In this post, we’ll break down the numbers, highlight high-risk areas, and share actionable strategies to keep your car secure.

Texas Car Theft by the Numbers

The 2022 data tells a story of rising risk:

  • Total Thefts: Over 80,000 vehicles stolen statewide.
  • High-Theft Counties: Harris, Dallas, and Tarrant counties led the state in absolute numbers.
  • Per Capita Risk: Smaller counties like Angelina and Aransas reported significant theft rates relative to their populations.

Here’s a snapshot of key counties:

CountyTheftsTheft Rate per 100,000
Harris15,000500
Dallas12,000550
Tarrant10,000450
Bexar8,000400
Travis5,000300

While the largest counties show the highest raw numbers, theft rates per capita reveal that smaller, less-populated areas are also heavily impacted.


What’s Driving the Surge in Car Theft?

Several factors contribute to the rise of car theft in Texas:

  1. Rapid Urbanization: As Texas cities expand, so does criminal activity.
  2. Targeted Vehicles: Thieves often prioritize high-demand models for parts or resale.
  3. Tech-Savvy Criminals: Keyless entry hacks and digital vulnerabilities make modern vehicles an easy target.
  4. Catalytic Converter Theft: Often a gateway crime leading to full vehicle theft.

Whether it’s an F-150 in Houston or a Honda Accord in Austin, no make or model is immune.


High-Risk Areas for Car Theft

According to the data, these are the counties and cities where your car is most at risk:

1. Harris County (Houston)

  • Thefts: 15,000
  • Hotspots: Downtown Houston, Energy Corridor, and Greenspoint.

2. Dallas County (Dallas)

  • Thefts: 12,000
  • Hotspots: Oak Cliff, Uptown, and Deep Ellum.

3. Tarrant County (Fort Worth)

  • Thefts: 10,000
  • Hotspots: Stockyards, Arlington, and Southlake.

Smaller counties like Angelina and Aransas also reported disproportionately high theft rates, driven by fewer vehicles but consistent targeting.

How to Protect Your Vehicle

Let’s shift gears. You know the risks—here’s how to mitigate them.

1. Install a LoJack Device

This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a proven solution.

  • Track Your Car in Real-Time: LoJack devices use GPS technology to locate stolen vehicles quickly.
  • Deter Thieves: Vehicles with LoJack systems are far less likely to be targeted.
  • Boost Recovery Rates: Over 90% of cars equipped with LoJack are recovered.

At VG Motors, we specialize in installing LoJack systems to help Texans protect their vehicles.

How to get LoJack

LoJack App Winchester LoJack Dealer
  1. Purchase a LoJack device from the VG Motors online store.
  2. Schedule a time and place for us to complete the installation by a certified technician (complimentary service included).
  3. You feel good that your vehicle is connected and protected by the #1 stolen vehicle recovery brand.

Reach out to us at [email protected] or call us at (850) 407-3017 and we can answer any questions you may have.

LoJack Pricing Made Simple.

lojack single red box Winchester LoJack Dealer

VG Motors eliminates any confusion and provides straightforward pricing on the LoJack devices we sell.

Contact us at [email protected] or call us at (850) 407-3017.

How LoJack Works | Explained in 30 Seconds

How Does the LoJack Installation Process Work?

LoJack does not want to openly communicate the exact steps and location where the LoJack device can be installed as it would put LoJack customers at a higher potential risk from criminals.  What you need to know is that a certified LoJack technician needs to conduct the installation. The whole process should take less than 1 hour before your device is installed and ready to be connected to your smartphone on the LoJack app. As your LoJack dealer, VG Motors can help install LoJack in your vehicle without you ever needing to leave your driveway.

How Does the $5k Recovery Guarantee Work?

LoJack has been in the stolen vehicle recovery industry for decades. With that time, they have accumulated true expertise and experience in this space. In short, they have perfected their craft. This is why vehicles with LoJack installed have a 98% recovery rate. They are so confident in their abilities that they offer up to a $5k stolen vehicle recovery guarantee if your vehicle is not retrieved within 30 days. This is a tremendous security blanket for consumers as it acts as an insurance policy of sorts. Typically, stolen vehicles are only covered by insurance providers if you have a comprehensive policy. With LoJack installed, you could collect reimbursement from both LoJack and your insurance provider.

2. Choose Park Wisely

Where you park can make all the difference.

  • Opt for Well-Lit Areas: Thieves avoid bright, monitored spaces.
  • Secure Garages: If you have a garage, use it.
  • Avoid Routine: Don’t park in the same spot every day.

3. Layer Your Security

The more obstacles you create, the less likely thieves are to target your car.

  • Steering Wheel Locks: Old-school but effective.
  • Alarm Systems: Audible deterrents scare off opportunistic criminals.
  • Dash Cams: Record activity around your vehicle for evidence.

The Cost of Inaction

Think you’re safe? Here’s what could happen if you don’t act:

  • Financial Loss: Even with insurance, you’ll face out-of-pocket costs like deductibles.
  • Time Wasted: Filing police reports and dealing with insurance takes valuable time.
  • Stress and Inconvenience: Being without a car impacts your daily life.

Prevention is always cheaper—and smarter—than recovery.


Why VG Motors Is Your Trusted Partner

We’re not just here to sell products—we’re here to protect what matters most to you.

  • Expertise: Years of experience in vehicle security having installed thousands of LoJack units.
  • Customer-Centric: Your safety is our top priority. He are humbled to have 80+ Google reviews with a 5 star avg. rating.
  • Proven Results: LoJack systems installed by VG Motors deliver peace of mind.

Texas Car Theft | How to Protect Your Car

At VG Motors, we believe in empowering Americans to protect themselves and their cars, trucks, SUVs, and equipment. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (850) 407-3017 or email us at [email protected].  We will be happy to walk you through the process and help you take pro-active action to combat the soaring Texas car theft epidemic.  As your dedicated LoJack dealer, VG Motors has got your back. You aren’t alone! Stay safe. Stay connected. And, above all, stay protected.

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