Car theft is on the rise in America. Who knows why crime works in cycles, but that is the way it is. With all this extra car thieving going on, I started to think about one group of car owners (of which I used to be one) in particular; Jeep Wrangler owners. 

Why isn’t every Jeep Wrangler stolen right now? 

You may think this is a silly question, but they must be one of the least secure cars/SUVs on the planet if you think about it. Admittedly, there are plenty of convertibles in the world, and you may be thinking, “but Pete, how are Jeeps any different from other convertibles?” I’m glad you asked. Unlike a Miata, which commonly comes in a convertible, the Jeep Wrangler can also remove its doors and even windshields with the turn of a few screws. It is basically made of LEGO. 

Although the Jeep Wrangler seems very easily snatchable, why is it always low down on the list of most stolen cars? This is strange. I mean, the soft-top versions get slashed, and things get stolen, sure, but the Jeep itself never seems to go off with the thief. 

Jeeps are just special

FourWheelTrends points out that this Jeep thing is even stranger than we initially thought. I Figured the more “blue-collar” vehicles maybe didn’t get attention from thieves because they aren’t as valuable or rare. Apparently, pickup trucks get stolen fairly frequently because they command high prices in the regularly used market and even on the seedier markets. Although Wranglers aren’t getting pinched very often, Gladiator owners might need to stay frosty. 

So what can we do to further secure our Jeeps? 

I know said Jeep Wranglers are weirdly low on the stolen list, but that doesn’t mean they never get stolen. Jeep Wrangler owners are some of the most enthusiastic car owners in the world, and even if the thieves don’t want to steal them, they may want whatever is inside of them. So, here are a few simple tips to keep your Jeep extra, extra safe. 

Always lock your door 

This may sound like a no-brainer, and it is, but one-time forgetting could be the difference between losing your stereo system, dash, and the $0.47 you had in the cupholder. But, seriously, locking the door is one thing that Jeep people can forget particularly easy because there are times when you don’t even have doors. This can get you out of the habit of checking the locks. Check the locks. 

That spare key ain’t always helpful

I know we all think our spare keys are hidden in our garages or somewhere in the car even, but all it takes is the wrong person coming across the spare one time for things to go south. Keep your spare key separate from the truck. 

Because Wranglers should regularly have their roofs and doors off, this makes security a bit of a challenge. Luckily, many companies make mountable and lockable storage units for small items you might want to keep in the truck. Some of the companies can install hidden cubbies for valuables. These are strong investments for any Jeepster. 

GPS can kill two birds or at least find the birds

Having a tracker on your Jeep Wrangler makes double sense. In the unlikely event that someone steals your truck, it could be pretty handy in getting your rig back. In the much more likely event that you get your jeep stuck somewhere in the wilderness and have to hoof it out for help, a tracker could be super helpful, too. 

Relax, your Jeep is fine

Lucky for Jeep owners, most normal people find Wranglers loud, uncomfortable, and annoying. It seems that most thieves are aware of this and tend to leave our adult go-carts alone. But, it can’t hurt to think it over and make sure your rig is as secure as possible. After all, we don’t want someone tearing up our Wranglers; only we get to do that.