Vehicle Thefts on the Rise in the United States
A recent report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reveals that vehicle thefts in the US are nearing record levels. Analysis of the data shows that almost 500,000 vehicles were reported stolen during the first half of 2023, marking a 2% increase from the same period in 2022.
Illinois experienced the most significant surge in vehicle thefts, with a 38% increase. New York and Ohio followed with 20% and 15% hikes, respectively. Other states witnessing an uptick in vehicle thefts included Texas and Georgia, both with 9% increases, and Missouri with a 3% rise. Despite seeing decreases in vehicle thefts, Florida (-1%), California (-2%), Washington (-12%), and Colorado (-19%) remained among the top 10 states with the highest theft rates.
NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe expressed concern over the rising trend, stating, “Vehicle thefts increased to near-record highs in the United States last year, and unfortunately, current trends indicate total thefts this year may surpass 2022.” Glawe emphasized that law enforcement agencies and communities will continue to face challenges unless deterrents are put in place to curb these criminal activities.
The NICB report, based on data from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), highlighted that vehicle thefts averaged over 80,000 cases between January and July 2023, peaking in May with 87,993 reported thefts. In response to these findings, Glawe advised vehicle owners to take proactive measures to protect their property. “The good news is there are several proactive and commonsense steps consumers can take to help deter vehicle theft,” he said. “Never leave your keys or key fob in the car, always lock the doors and roll up your windows, and never leave valuables in plain sight; instead, place them in your trunk or out of sight.”
The release of the NICB report coincides with National Crime Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of addressing vehicle theft and other criminal activities. Earlier this week, the NICB urged the Washington, D.C. City Council to pass legislation aimed at combating the proliferation of counterfeit vehicle tags in the nation’s capital.
