Well, "opportunistic" isn't the word I'd choose. I'd just agree that whether or not one's own car is a target to be stolen relies on a variety of variables. Some car thefts are not opportunistic in the least, but planned, especially when it comes down to certain desirable cars. Even though most "Grand Theft Auto" type movies are laughable, there are certainly cars that are in demand, either because of their desirability OR because they are particularly easy to steal. "Professional" thieves will target specific models and even individual ones.pjknibbs wrote:Most car thefts are opportunistic in nature, though, so unless you have a particularly valuable car you just need to slow the thief down enough that they choose to go after another target. Otherwise, you might as well just leave the doors unlocked and the keys in the ignition, right, since the car's only going to get stolen anyway?
In the US, I think, IIRC, most automobile thefts are inspired by the thieves wanting the auto to use in the commission of another crime.
But... a car thief isn't going to indulge their "opportunistic" habits when they see a juicy 1973 Toyota Celica left unattended...