How to avoid theft from your rental car
If you’re planning a road trip through Spain’s sun-drenched coastlines or cruising the wine regions of France, chances are you’ll be picking up a hire car. But here’s the reality: while a rental gives you the freedom to explore beyond the tourist trail, it can also make you a magnet for thieves.
Spanish police have reported a rise in tourist-focused car crime, and the UK Foreign Office has issued warnings for travellers. The problem? Criminals are getting very good at spotting rental vehicles—and they know exactly when and where to strike.
This blog will look at how the theives spot a rental car and what you can do to minimise the chances of your holiday being ruined by theft.
How thieves spot rental cars
Travel experts warn that, to an experienced eye, most car rentals advertise themselves making it easier for thieves to target:
- Barcodes and stickers – Small window labels or company logos that scream “tourist.”
- Documentation wallets – The branded folders or wallets the care hire company give you are dead giveaway that the car is a rental.
- Holiday paraphenalia – a sun hat, sunglasses, a towel or sarong left in the car tells the thieves that the car belongs to someone on holiday.
- Non-local number plates – Obvious in areas where locals recognise who belongs.
- Maps and satnav cables – a map on the seat or a dangling satnav cable indicate the car is at the very least “out of town” and probably a driven by a tourist.
- Condition – Newer, spotless cars stand out against older, well-worn local vehicles.
Six hacks to protect yourself
The good news is that small changes in behaviour can make a huge difference. Experts offer six practical steps to make your car less of a target:
Conceal the rental clues
- Keep paperwork in the glovebox, not on display.
- It may not be easy to remove the window stickers and barcodes but you can hide them. Use a windscreen sunshade to make stickers or barcodes harder to spot. One of those flyers left under the wipers is a great way to hide rental company stickers too.
Hide branded promotional items
- Slip them into your pocket instead of leaving it dangling in the car.
Hide any signs of valuables
- Remove or stash charging cables for phones, sat navs, or cameras.
- Even if you take your gadgets with you, visible wires can tempt thieves into breaking in.
Make your rental car seem local
- Stash tourist maps and guides out of sight.
- A local newspaper, in the local language, left on the seat can help your car blend in. Leave a book, not a guidebook, in the local language in the car.
- Keep the interior tidy—towels, bags, or holiday clutter are all clues you’re visiting.
Choose parking wisely
- Use secure or monitored car parks whenever possible.
- Stick to busy, well-lit streets over isolated spots.
- Park so number plates are less visible from the main road.
Keep the car looking empty
- Put all bags, electronics, and shopping in the boot.
- Don’t leave anything visible, even empty bags or sunglasses cases.
Why it matters
“Concealing visual rental clues is one of the easiest and most effective defences you have,” says Urbonas. “A few minutes of thought can be the difference between enjoying your holiday and spending it in a police station filling out reports.”
And it’s not just about replacing stolen items. Losing passports, laptops, or luggage can derail an entire trip—financially and emotionally.
Make sure your memories are good ones
Think of your hire car as an extension of your travel hacks. Blend in, strip away obvious clues, and never leave temptations in sight. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s about being practical.
The best souvenirs are the memories you take home—not the story of how your holiday ended with a break-in.
