My car was stolen and i'm not sure how?

So I'm a sophomore in college and live in a dorm. I drive a 2009 Honda civic and lately in the parking lots, ppl have been getting their license plates stolen. Well yesterday morning I came out and not only were my license plates gone but guess what else was gone? Yep my car. I almost fainted. I reported it and everything and now just waiting to hear back from the cops.
When I bought the car, it came with a back up key and I always have kepted it tucked way back behind the front license plate. I'm starting to wonder if the thief was taking off my license plate and then found the key or if they actually hot wired it. Its a 2009 so I'm not sure if hotwiring would be easy

I'm sorry, but I think it's dumb to hid your spare key behind the license plate. I don't know how you attached the key to the license plate but it can fall out. You still have to loosen the nuts on the license plate to get the key out. Where do you keep the wrench for that purpose?

I think the thief found your spare key and started your car with it.
Only those keys can start up your modern car as they were programmed/coded.
No other ways, unless the thief changed out the computer on your car. It takes times and it's not easy to do so. Especially for a rookie thief stealing random things.

If they were stealing plates already and that's where the key was, then that's what likely happened.

"Hotwiring" was the process before they tied the locks into the steering column. Now they often just punch out the lock mechanism, I think. I'm not really up on how to steal cars newer than the mid-seventies, and even in the seventies I only ever hotwired my own car when I misplaced my keys.

Your hunch may be pretty reliable. Next time, don't place you key behind a license plate. Hondas are very easy to break into, and hot wire. Even in todays vehicles. I should now because I know first hand.

If people had been stealing plates in your area, I believe its more than likely that he found the spare key. I'm sorry to hear about this and hope you get you car back soon!

You aren't going to find an answer until the police investigation is finished. I would suggest not putting a spare key behind your license plate. That is a fairly dumb idea and will help a thief steal your car.

Next time just leave the keys in the igniton

IF/when your vehicle is found, then the police, or your insurance will know if someone used a key, or broke into the car and stole it.

How do expect us to know how the thief was able to start and drive your car away?

Maybe a psychic can answer your question?

You better hope that is not what happened or your insurance may not pay for your vehicle.

It is probable that they found the key and drove off with the car. Also, it is most likely they will find your car either whole or in pieces, either way this is what insurance is for.
But Honda's are the easiest cars to steal. The Immobilizer is only standard on the 2009 VP and LX-S model the other models they are Optional. FYI they are a "passive system". Meaning the only thing they do is tell the computer to allow or not allow starting.
Also, anyone that can do a google search can tell you that a simple tool plugged into the OBD-II port under the dash, can bypass and turn off the immobilizer function. It isn't that difficult. They punch the ignition switch, breaking it, plug into the port, turn the ignition, and immobilizer is defeated. With the switch punched, it also unlocks the steering wheel. FYI, this is why Honda's, nissan's and Toyota's have such a high insurance rate, they all use the same switch supplier to design them. Oddly enough, my $7000 used lexus RX300 cost more to insure when I had it, then my new F350 Diesel that cost more than 4 times as much. My insurance company told me that, because it has the Toyota switch, even with the security system if could still be stolen.