The Numbers by State
Vehicle thefts continue to surge nationwide, presenting challenges for vehicle owners and law enforcement agencies alike. A recent report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to combating insurance fraud and crime, highlights another record-breaking year for vehicle thefts in 2023. Vehicle theft rates have been on the rise since 2019, almost doubling over the last 4 years, with some states experiencing significant spikes.
The NICB report reveals some alarming statistics and trends in vehicle theft across the United States. California accounted for the highest number of vehicle thefts nationwide in 2023, with 208,668 vehicles reported stolen. On the other hand, the District of Columbia had the highest theft rate, with 1,149.71 thefts per 100,000 people, which is over three times the national theft rate.
"Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems," said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of NICB. Techniques such as keyless entry hacks and relay attacks on key fobs are being used with alarming success rates, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to combat auto theft.
Urban centers and densely populated areas remain hotspots for auto theft. Metropolitan regions like Washington, D.C., saw a significant increase in vehicle theft incidents compared to suburban or rural areas. The District of Columbia and Maryland experienced drastic rises in thefts in 2023, with percentage increases of 64% and 63%, respectively.
| Rank | State | Percent Change (2022 to 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 64% |
| 2 | Maryland | 63% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 33% |
| 4 | Nevada | 18% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 16% |
| 6 | Delaware | 15% |
| 7 | New York | 15% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 13% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 12% |
| 10 | Louisiana, North Carolina, & Tennessee | 10% |
The top ten states by volume have remained consistent throughout 2023. Following California, Texas and Florida ranked second and third in thefts by volume, with 115,013 and 46,213 stolen vehicles reported, respectively.
| Rank | State | 2023 Theft Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 208,668 |
| 2 | Texas | 115,013 |
| 3 | Florida | 46,213 |
| 4 | Washington | 43,160 |
| 5 | Illinois | 41,528 |
| 6 | Colorado | 34,068 |
| 7 | New York | 32,715 |
| 8 | Ohio | 31,647 |
| 9 | Georgia | 28,171 |
| 10 | Missouri | 27,279 |
Among the top 10 CBSAs, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV had the highest theft percentage increase from 2022 to 2023 at 52%. Conversely, Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO saw a significant decrease of 22%.
| Rank | CBSA | 2023 Thefts | % Change (2022 to 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 72,460 | -0.5% |
| 2 | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | 40,977 | 28% |
| 3 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 36,272 | 9% |
| 4 | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 35,119 | 7% |
| 5 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 34,135 | 13% |
| 6 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 33,596 | 6% |
| 7 | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 31,328 | 2% |
| 8 | Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 24,489 | -22% |
| 9 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 24,119 | 52% |
| 10 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 23,339 | 19% |
The NICB report also analyzed theft rates per 100,000 residents, revealing that the District of Columbia, Nevada, and Maryland each ranked within the top 10 for theft rates and percentage increases.
| Rank | State | 2023 Thefts Per 100,000 People |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 1,149.71 |
| 2 | Colorado | 583.25 |
| 3 | Nevada | 572.70 |
| 4 | Washington | 554.44 |
| 5 | California | 534.49 |
| 6 | New Mexico | 489.67 |
| 7 | Missouri | 441.61 |
| 8 | Maryland | 427.99 |
| 9 | Oregon | 394.14 |
| 10 | Texas | 383.00 |
NICB recommends several measures to help prevent vehicle thefts:
If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately. Prompt reporting increases the chance of recovery.
Addressing the rising tide of vehicle thefts requires collaborative efforts from law enforcement agencies, government bodies, automotive manufacturers, and the community. The repercussions of vehicle theft extend beyond financial losses, causing significant distress and inconvenience for affected individuals. Enhanced security measures, public awareness, and strategic partnerships are essential in combating this growing crime trend and safeguarding public safety.
By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, vehicle owners can reduce the risk of theft and protect their valuable assets.