The disclosure includes embodiments for theft deterrent for a connected vehicle using Basic Safety Message (BSM)-based Vehicle-to-Anything (V2X) communication. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, by a V2X radio, a wireless message that is transmitted by a first connected vehicle whose ignition is disengaged. In some embodiments, the method includes determining, based on a payload of the wireless message, that the first connected vehicle is being subjected to criminal activity. In some embodiments, the method includes taking a remedial action responsive to determining that the first connected vehicle is being subjected to criminal activity. In some embodiments, the remedial action is operable to deter the occurrence of the criminal activity (i.e., stop the first connected vehicle from being stolen) or gather visual evidence of the criminal activity.