US Auto Theft Levels: 2024 Statistics
According to the FBI, 880,327 motor vehicle thefts were reported in the US in 2024. This amounts to 258.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. While the figure is staggering, compared to 2023, the number of thefts decreased by 18.6%.
However, the situation remains tense: the rates are still 8.9% higher than the 2020 level and 24.3% higher than the 2015 data. In fact, in 2024, a car theft was recorded every 35.9 seconds.
Trends and Features
Besides the decrease in auto thefts, the FBI recorded a significant reduction in the number of thefts *from* motor vehicles. In 2024, this figure dropped below one million incidents for the first time in many years.
In 2023, the number of auto thefts exceeded one million for the first time since 2007, which is partly linked to the so-called “Kia-Hyundai challenge” that encouraged youths to steal cars of these brands.
Manufacturers took measures to enhance the protection of their models, which may have contributed to the reduction in crime rates. However, studies showed that the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima were among the top five most stolen cars last year.
Regional Differences
Statistics by region show that the largest decrease in the number of thefts was recorded in large cities with a population of over one million residents – by 26.9%. In smaller settlements, the figures changed less significantly, but a downward trend is observed everywhere.
Despite the positive dynamics of the past year, the problem of auto theft remains relevant for Americans. Experts note that criminals are constantly improving their methods, so manufacturers and authorities will have to continue working on enhancing vehicle security. Particular attention should be paid to models that remain popular among criminals, despite the security measures taken.