How common are smash and grabs?
Asked by: Arnulfo Walker | Last update: February 6, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (30 votes)
Smash-and-grabs, involving quick break-ins for high-value goods or vehicle window smashings for items inside, are considered increasingly common, especially in urban areas, driven by factors like organized retail crime (ORC) and opportunistic theft, though national statistics sometimes show overall retail theft declining, spikes in specific areas are significant, often involving repeat offenders and less severe consequences leading to escalation. While less frequent than general shoplifting, these brazen, large-group retail raids and opportunistic car break-ins have grown, impacting businesses and drivers, with efforts to curb them focusing on stronger penalties and data collection.
What is the #1 most stolen vehicle?
The #1 most stolen vehicle depends on how you measure it: by total thefts (often Hyundai Elantra/Sonata or Ford/Chevy pickups), or by theft rate (Dodge Charger/Camaro models), but recent data points to the Hyundai Elantra as the most stolen by sheer number in 2023, while the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 had the highest rate (39x average) for newer models (2022-2024) due to high horsepower.
What is the #1 deterrent for burglars?
The best burglar deterrents combine visible technology, physical barriers, and behavioral habits, with security cameras, bright motion-sensor lighting, and alarm system signs being highly effective for appearing difficult to target. Physical deterrents like deadbolts, reinforced doors/windows, and thorny plants make entry harder, while keeping your home looking occupied (timers, organized deliveries) and trimming overgrown landscaping removes easy opportunities for thieves.
What percentage of shoplifters get caught?
According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, statistics show that shoplifters are caught approximately once in every 49 incidents of theft.
Are Smash and Grabs on the rise?
Headlines across the country have warned of a rise in “smash- and-grab robberies” and “organized retail crime.” The pace of these stories took off in 2021 and has only intensified in 2022. The New York Times alone published at least five separate stories about retail theft between May 2021 and February 2022.
Who is responsible for 'smash and grab' robberies? | Rush Hour
Who is most likely to be a shoplifter?
Who is more likely to shoplift?
- People with psychological disorders.
- Teenagers and adolescents.
- Economically disadvantaged people.
- Professional crime groups.
- People with a shoplifting addiction.
What state is #1 in safety?
While rankings vary slightly by source, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts consistently rank as the top three safest states in the U.S., according to recent reports from sources like WalletHub and U.S. News, often leading in low crime, financial security, and strong emergency preparedness. Vermont often appears at #1 overall, excelling in neighborhood safety and financial stability, while New Hampshire is frequently cited for its extremely low violent crime rates, and Massachusetts shines in family and health safety metrics.
Do all shoplifters eventually get caught?
Shoplifters are only caught about once out of every 48 times they steal – just over 2% of the time.
Who shoplifts the most?
At least 5 percent of customers shoplift. The frequency of the offense is greatest for boys between 10 and 18 and for girls between ages 12 and 20. Despite myths to the contrary, women are not overrepresented among shoplifters, although relatively more women are caught.
Which state is #1 in retail theft?
Washington state consistently ranks #1 for retail theft, particularly in recent studies (2024-2025) from sources like Forbes and the National Retail Federation, due to high rates per capita and significant financial losses, with New Mexico and Nevada also frequently appearing at the top. While specific metrics vary, Washington faces issues with organized crime, "smash-and-grab" incidents, and repeat offenders impacting businesses.
Where do burglars never look?
1) Library or a Study Room. Home library or office room with bookshelves. This is an excellent spot to stash your valuables, especially if you have lots of books. It becomes a tedious task for thieves to search between the books, especially when they only have a short amount of time to pull off the theft.
What houses do burglars avoid?
Burglars avoid houses that appear occupied, well-protected, and difficult to access, especially those with visible security systems, motion lights, barking dogs, and signs of constant activity, while they target isolated homes with overgrown landscaping, dark corners, and easy entry points like unlocked doors or hidden windows.
What time of day do burglars break in?
Most burglaries happen during the daytime, primarily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when people are at work or school, with peak times often after lunch, around 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., because homes are empty and darkness isn't a factor, though some occur at night as well. The summer months (June-August) see more break-ins due to vacations, and February often has the fewest.
What car is hardest to steal?
The Hardest Car Brands to Steal (and Why)
- BMW. BMW enhances the security of its cars via encrypted key fobs and motion-sensing alarm system features. ...
- Audi. ...
- Mercedes-Benz. ...
- Subaru. ...
- Hyundai Sonata (2022 and Newer)
What time of day do most car thefts occur?
This is especially important at night between 2 and 5 a.m. Since most people are asleep, that's the most common time for cars to be stolen.
What car brands do thieves avoid?
Tesla, Volvo, and Subaru consistently rank as some of the hardest car brands to steal, thanks to advanced tech like GPS, Sentry Mode (Tesla), and robust factory security, alongside luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Lexus (e.g., XC90, A6, RX), with some GM models (GMC Acadia) also showing low theft rates due to sophisticated immobilizers and tracking. Generally, modern EVs and well-equipped luxury SUVs are tough targets.
What state is #1 in crime in the USA?
Alaska often ranks #1 for violent crime rates per capita, followed closely by New Mexico, while Louisiana frequently tops lists for overall danger or homicide rates, though figures vary slightly by source and specific metrics (violent vs. property crime) for 2024/2025 data.
Why aren't stores stopping shoplifters?
Stores often don't stop shoplifters due to safety risks (violence, lawsuits), high costs (security, lost merchandise vs. prevention), and prioritizing a pleasant customer experience, with many large retailers having policies against employee intervention, focusing instead on surveillance, deterrents, and relying on law enforcement, even if prosecution is inconsistent.
What age are most shoplifters?
While data shows that young people (ages 18-24) still shoplift the most , there's been a notable rise in first-time offenders among a demographic that previously rarely appeared in theft statistics: suburban mothers, professional women, and middle-income earners in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Do stores track you down after shoplifting?
Yes, if caught shoplifting, stores, especially large chains, will check for previous incidents using security footage, internal databases (sometimes shared), and facial recognition to build a case, leading to harsher penalties like trespassing bans or criminal charges, as they track repeat offenders across locations and potentially other retailers. A first-time, low-value offense might get a warning, but they often look for patterns, and a second offense is treated much more seriously.
What evidence is needed to prove theft?
To prove theft, prosecutors need to show beyond a reasonable doubt that someone knowingly and unlawfully took property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, using evidence like surveillance video, witness testimony, possession of stolen goods, digital records (texts, emails, online activity), financial records, or an admission/confession. Physical evidence like fingerprints, tools used, or the stolen items themselves, plus circumstantial actions (hiding items, fleeing), also build a strong case.
What is not the safest state to live in?
Based on recent analyses, Louisiana is frequently cited as the least safe state due to high murder rates and overall poor safety scores, with Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas also ranking low in overall safety. Other states with high violent crime rates often include Alaska, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Arkansas, though rankings vary slightly depending on the specific metrics used (e.g., crime, financial security, natural disasters).
What are the top 5 most murderous states?
Based on recent data (around 2023-2024), the U.S. states with the highest murder rates (per capita) consistently include Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, New Mexico, and Tennessee, with other states like Alaska, South Carolina, and Missouri also frequently appearing at the top, while the District of Columbia often has the highest rate overall.
What's the most peaceful state in the USA?
While rankings vary by source and year, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont consistently rank as the most peaceful states, often topping lists due to low crime rates (violent and property), strong community safety, and overall lower levels of conflict, with the Northeast generally being the most peaceful region in the U.S. New Hampshire is often cited as the safest overall by some metrics like low violent/property crime, while Maine excels in multiple peace indicators.