By Steven Symes 
Of all the generations, Gen Z is the most likely to fall victim to car theft, while Boomers are the least likely. That’s according to a study by the Post Office out of the UK. While the information is gleaned from the island nation, from what we’ve seen the societal trends are similar here in the US as well.
Yet another automaker is idling a factory as the industry suffers.
Per the study, even though only about seven percent of those surveyed had been victimized by car thieves in the last five years, when it came to Gen Z that figure rose to 18 percent. They were by far the most targeted generation to thieves, while Boomers were the least with only 0.5 percent targeted within five years.
Some potential explanations for this generational divide are offered by the Post Office, namely that Gen Z is far more likely to not take precautions. For example, only 42 percent always lock their car doors and take valuables out. A mere 27 percent of the generation bothers to install an alarm or immobilizer in their vehicle.
And almost 10 percent of Gen Z admit they don’t take any steps to secure their ride against theft.
Boomers, on the other hand, seem to take the possibility of car theft seriously with 74 percent always locking their doors and taking valuables with them, 44 percent using an alarm or immobilizer, and 50 percent putting the factory security features to work.
We’d be willing to bet another factor is that Boomers both in the UK and here in the US tend to buy vehicles which are by design harder to steal. Lacking the financial resources, many in Gen Z get a Kia that doesn’t have an electronic engine immobilizer, or something like that.
Another difference among the generations is experience. Boomers have probably had to file insurance claims in the past, including some for their car being stolen or broken into. Members of Gen Z likely have no experience with that, so they believe having their ride swiped will be completely covered and not come with any pain, suffering, or loss.
Experience has taught the older generations that securing their vehicle is worthwhile. Gen Z is still learning.
See the Post Office study for yourself here.
Image via Herbert Santos/Pexels