ATV Thefts Spike in East Texas—How to Protect Yours

(Smith County, Texas) Hunters across East Texas are getting ready for the opening of deer season on November 1st. A lot of work and preparation will be happening between now and then.

Hunters will be on their All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), or side-by-side (SxS), headed off into the woods to find that perfect spot for the deer blind. Once they find that perfect spot, that ATV, UTV, or SxS becomes useful to get all the needed gear in place and set up. Feeders and bags of corn will be hauled in and dispensed, tempting the deer to line up in the lane for a hunter's perfect shot.

Once hunters bag the big one, that ATV, UTV, or SxS may be used to haul the kill out of the woods and to the truck.

The Smith County Sheriff's Office has released a statement cautioning hunters and landowners to be extremely mindful of their ATV, UTV, and SxS units because they are being targeted by thieves. Law enforcement nationwide has seen a significant increase in the theft of these vehicles, and it's not an isolated problem in Smith County.

Why ATV Theft Is Rising in East Texas

So far in 2025, 10 ATV-SxS units have been stolen in Smith County. Of those, only two have been recovered thanks to neighbors reporting suspicious activity and unusual side-by-side appearances at residences.

Many units are being stolen from locked buildings, carports, and large secluded properties. It takes thieves less than two minutes to make off with one of these machines. UTV owners can spend more than $25,000 to $60,000 for these vehicles that thieves will make off with.

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Top Tips to Protect Your ATV or UTV

To combat this rising trend of ATV, UTV, and SxS theft, the Smith County Sheriff's Office strongly encourages the public to take the following precautions:

• Install Multiple Tracking Devices: Place at least one, preferably multiple, GPS tracking devices on all personally owned SxS/ATVs/UTVs. This investment can significantly increase the chances of recovery.

• Report Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to these types of vehicles in your neighborhood or community.

• Do Not Broadcast Your Toys: Do not leave your equipment in plain view on your property. Be careful about showing the world what you have by broadcasting photos of your high-priced equipment on social media.

• Additional Locking Devices: Consider purchasing good-quality after-market locking devices for your SxS/ATV/UTV.

• Insurance: Have the equipment specifically insured. DO NOT ASSUME that your homeowner’s policy will cover the theft of your equipment.

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The True Cost of Losing Your Off-Road Vehicle

Owners of these vehicles, or toys as some people call them, know their value and how expensive they are. Don't let a thief take off with something you care about. Take precautions, and hopefully you'll have a successful hunting season too.