Most Stolen?

[SeptuagenerianSasquatch]

Risks of theft can be reduced, but not completely eliminated. Understand the three risk factors that can increase or diminish your vulnerability:

1) difficulty for the criminal. The harder it is, the better for you. Nowadays, pay particular attention to electronic vulnerability, such as access with counterfeit fob signals.
2) Time. Quite related to #1, the more time it takes for a crook to crack your defenses, the better your odds.
3) Visibility: factors are light, location, and optics (such as cameras). Install a very conspicuous dummy camera or two, then better-hidden working cameras.

Don't leave things that look valuable in your truck unless you're parked in your usual "safe space." I read that everybody in the Bay Area leave their vehicles unlocked and empty of contents, lest somebody smash a window only to learn there's nothing to steal. Protect the catalytic converter. I use Advanced Wheel Locks, which are extremely difficult to defeat, especially since they're conical (not cylindrical) and are uniquely keyed.

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[EasternSierra]

Don't leave things that look valuable in your truck unless you're parked in your usual "safe space." I read that everybody in the Bay Area leave their vehicles unlocked and empty of contents, lest somebody smash a window only to learn there's nothing to steal.

That's common in San Francisco proper, which has had an epidemic of car break-ins in recent years. That's only about 15% of the population of the SF Bay Area. San Francisco always has been an island of 'differentness' compared to the surrounding region in any number of respects. San Francisco is not the same as the "Bay Area".

Elsewhere in the Bay Area it really depends on the particular city and neighborhood like anywhere else. As always, don't leave valuables in the vehicle.

Prior to moving out last year, I never left my vehicles unlocked intentionally over a net 55 years of living in the region and I didn't know anybody else who did. One time I did leave my truck unlocked in the driveway by accident; someone got in and ransacked it looking for the garage door remote.

 

[Area51BS]

A lot of stolen cars and parts are shipped out of the country. I don’t think the Bronco has a large following outside the US yet. Not much need for parts.

 

[CalvinT]

I'm not that worried about my Bronco being stolen. The key goes dormant after 40 seconds of inactivity. It won't reactivate unless it senses movement. So it's very unlikely to be scanned. If you're still not convinced, don't keep your keys near an outside window or door. The RF range is limited. A faraday bag for your daily key might ease your mind. Save money and wrap your spare key in aluminum foil. It's just as effective and much cheaper if less convenient.

The catalytic converter, which is built into the downpipe is very difficult to reach, at least with the 2.3L. Crawl under your Bronco and take a look. You can't reach the top of the converter with a saw-all. Thieves look for easy targets.

I was a little concerned about the spare being stolen, but I haven't talked to a Jeep driver whose spare was stolen. They're a bigger target. You might ask your insurance agent how common it is. But to be sure I bought the Advanced Wheel locks and put three of them on my spare (looks better that way). I'm using stock wheels and tires. Thieves normally target aftermarket or high end wheels, not stock wheels that have little demand. A professional will take what he wants, I'm trying to deter the impulse thief and meth head.

For the 2nd Amendment guys, and I'm one, most guidance says you only use deadly force to protect life, not property. So if you're planning on using deadly force to protect your Bronco, you should look into CCW insurance. For those who aren't convinced, read "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." It's a good short story written by James Thurber.

edit: I think if someone is serious about stealing a Bronco, they'll probably use a flatbed or a tow truck. They won't mess with trying to start it.

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