What Happens to Stolen Cars?
Stolen vehicles are often used briefly for transportation, to commit other crimes, or dismantled for parts — and many are recovered within days or weeks.
Stolen vehicles are frequently used temporarily for transportation, to carry out additional crimes, or stripped for parts; thieves may also alter VINs or use fraudulent paperwork to sell them. Law enforcement often recovers many stolen cars within days or weeks, but victims can face significant financial and emotional stress. Because many thefts are crimes of opportunity, simple precautions — lock your vehicle, take your keys, don’t leave it running, park in well-lit areas and remove valuables — greatly reduce your risk.