According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the number of vehicle thefts in the United States continues to decline. Here are the key facts:
Overall Positive Trend
After years of growth, U.S. car theft statistics are finally showing positive dynamics. In the first six months of 2025, 334,114 cases were recorded, more than one hundred thousand fewer than in the same period last year (435,754). This brings the figures closer to levels observed before the pandemic.
As noted by the NICB, the decline followed a record increase that peaked in 2023. The situation was exacerbated at that time by pandemic conditions, which made car thefts easier and more profitable. The improvement was made possible through enhanced coordination between law enforcement, insurers, and automakers.
Regional Differences: Who Shows the Best Results
Although the trend is nationwide, some regions are recovering significantly faster than others. The largest decrease in the number of thefts was shown by Puerto Rico – 43%. It is followed by the state of Washington with a 42% reduction and North Dakota and Louisiana, where the rate fell by 32%.
Significant successes were also achieved by Colorado (31% reduction), Florida (30%), and Tennessee (29%). California, Connecticut, Georgia, New Mexico, Oregon, and Virginia recorded a 26% decrease.
Overall, 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico recorded fewer thefts at the beginning of 2025. The only exception was Alaska, where the number of cases increased by 26 percent, which is mainly explained by the situation in Anchorage.
The Most Problematic Regions
Despite the overall improvement, some territories continue to stand out with extremely high rates. The national average theft rate fell from 126.62 per 100,000 residents in the first half of 2024 to 97.33 in 2025. However, the District of Columbia maintains its lead with a rate of 373.09 cases per 100,000 people, nearly four times the national average.
Other states with high theft frequency include California (178.01), Nevada (167.68), New Mexico (167.54), and Colorado (149.04).
Which Cars Are Stolen Most Often
The list of most stolen car models was topped by two Hyundais, which is no surprise against the backdrop of the viral “Kia Boys” TikTok trend that caused a surge in thefts across the country back in 2021. The leader was the Hyundai Elantra with 11,329 registered thefts, followed by the Hyundai Sonata (9,154 cases). Both models, along with some Kias, remain popular among thieves due to the lack of engine immobilizers in many versions.
The rest of the list continues to be dominated by mass-market and familiar models, indicating that accessibility and ease of theft often matter no less than technical vulnerabilities in security systems.
The top ten also included the Honda Accord, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Civic, Kia Optima, Ford F-150, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, and Kia Soul.
Tips for Car Owners
NICB experts remind us of basic safety rules: always lock the doors, take the keys with you, and avoid leaving the car with the engine running even for a short time. For additional security, you can use mechanical steering wheel locks and park in well-lit areas.
The overall decline in car theft crime is an encouraging signal, indicating the effectiveness of joint efforts by law enforcement, manufacturers, and citizens. However, regional disparities and the persistent popularity of certain models among thieves indicate that the problem cannot yet be considered solved. Continued monitoring and adaptation of security measures, especially in states with high rates, remains critically important to solidify the positive trend. Technological solutions, such as installing immobilizers even on budget models, could be the key to further reducing these numbers.