More than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2023, continuing a trend of increasing numbers that pose challenges for vehicle owners and law enforcement. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to bypass modern security systems, including keyless entry hacks and relay attacks on key fobs, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Vehicle theft in the U.S. has been on the rise since 2019, with thefts increasing in frequency and technique over the years. The number of stolen vehicles escalated from 721,885 in 2019 to 1,020,729 in 2023.
Urban centers and densely populated regions often serve as hotspots for vehicle theft, with areas like the District of Columbia experiencing the highest theft rate nationally in 2023 at 1,150 thefts per 100,000 people. California reported the highest volume of vehicle thefts at 208,668 incidents, followed by Texas and Florida. Five states, including California, Texas, Washington, Colorado, and Missouri, were among the top 10 for thefts by volume and theft rates. Maryland and Connecticut saw significant year-over-year increases in auto thefts, with a 63 percent rise in Maryland and a 33 percent increase in Connecticut.
Collaborative partnerships involving law enforcement agencies, government bodies, automotive manufacturers, and the community at large are needed to address the rising tide of vehicle thefts, according to David J. Glawe, CEO of NICB. The repercussions of vehicle theft extend beyond financial losses, causing distress and inconvenience for affected individuals. Victims often endure emotional stress and disruption to their daily routines as a result of vehicle theft. In response to the growing issue, some cities and states have taken legal action against automakers and implemented initiatives to prevent car theft.
Chicago, Illinois, for example, took legal action against Kia and Hyundai after an increase in thefts involving models from the two manufacturers that lacked standard anti-theft technology. Mayor Brandon Johnson filed a lawsuit against the automakers to address the vulnerability that led to thefts. Other states, like New York, have launched initiatives such as the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy (CARS) to combat the rise in auto thefts. This initiative allocates $55 million to bolster local law enforcement and prevention efforts, particularly focusing on certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles by enhancing enforcement efforts and supporting law enforcement with crime analysis tools.
While the NICB has not yet released its list of the most commonly stolen vehicles for 2023, last year’s list included models like the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Optima. These vehicles ranked among the most stolen in 2022, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat auto theft. Newsweek continues to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground, reporting on issues like vehicle theft and the efforts being made to address it across the country.
