Thieves stole more vehicles in 2017 than they had in any single year since 2009 — and the biggest reason might have nothing to do with criminals being cunning. A combination of new technology and careless drivers spells opportunity for many criminals. And with the average price of vehicles climbing, there’s added incentive as well. With the proliferation of push-start buttons that can be activated as long as the key fob is inside the vehicle, it’s easier than ever to drive off with someone else’s car. All thieves need to do is find a car where someone left the key inside, push the start button and hit the gas.