Thefts from automobiles

Question

My wife and I will be doing a typical road trip amongst the national parks, mostly Utah, but

also near Page AZ and Monument Valley UT. We will have a small sedan with a trunk.

Is theft of luggage from cars a common occurrence in any spots we are likely to visit ?

Most stops will be in the lots of restaurants or hotels, but some will be in the parks for short hikes,

or 2-3 hr tours on Lake Powell or Monument Valley.

(Itinerary: Capitol Reef, Escalante, Bryce, Page, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands.)

Answer

Thefts from automobiles, particularly parked in tourist areas, are something to be aware of on road trips through Utah and northern Arizona, including Page and Monument Valley. While the national parks themselves generally have low crime rates, opportunistic thefts do occur, often targeting visible items left in cars. Most incidents involve unlocked vehicles or valuables left in plain sight rather than in the trunk.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect along your itinerary and some practical precautions:

National Parks (Capitol Reef, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Escalante): The parks are usually very safe, with occasional reports of thefts in trailhead parking lots. Most thefts involve items left in vehicles overnight or in crowded trailhead lots. Short visits or hikes of a few hours generally carry minimal risk if valuables are secured.
Page, AZ (Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend): Page has more urban exposure than the parks. Parking lots for Lake Powell tours or Antelope Canyon are sometimes targeted by opportunistic thieves. Theft is not rampant but visible items in vehicles can attract attention, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Monument Valley: The visitor center and tour parking lots are generally safe. Most tours involve guided experiences, and thefts are rare, but you should always lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight.

Practical tips to minimize risk:

Always lock your car doors, even for short stops.
Store luggage, backpacks, electronics, and other valuables in the trunk or cover them so they are not visible.
If possible, take important items with you on hikes or tours.
Avoid leaving items overnight in the car, especially in lot areas near trailheads or tour operators.
Park in well-lit, populated areas when available.

Additional considerations:

Rental car insurance may cover theft, so check your policy and know how to file a claim if needed.
Small sedans with trunks have a slight advantage, as luggage can be stored out of view; soft-top or hatchback vehicles are more at risk.
For boat or extended tours, confirm with the operator whether they have secure storage or if you should bring minimal valuables.

Overall, theft from cars in these areas is not extremely common but can happen, especially in tourist-heavy urban or parking areas. Being cautious with visibility of valuables and locking your car significantly reduces your risk, and most travelers experience no issues during short-term visits.

Thefts from automobiles

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