Vehicle Theft on the Rise: New Report Reveals Hotspots
Car owners, take note. A recent report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) highlights a concerning trend: vehicle theft is up across the United States. The report provides stark figures on where these thefts are most prevalent.
In 2023, the US saw 1,020,729 vehicle thefts, a rise from 1,008,756 in 2022. The District of Columbia stands out with the highest theft rate, a staggering 1,149.71 thefts per 100,000 people. This rate is more than triple the national average.
States with the Biggest Increase in Thefts
The NICB report identifies states experiencing the most significant increases in vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023. Here’s a look:
- District of Columbia: 64%
- Maryland: 63%
- Connecticut: 33%
- Nevada: 18%
- Massachusetts: 16%
- Delaware: 15%
- New York: 15%
- Pennsylvania: 13%
- Nebraska: 12%
- Louisiana, North Carolina & Tennessee: 10%
States with the Highest Volume of Thefts
While some states saw dramatic percentage increases, others experienced high volumes of thefts overall. California leads the pack, with over 200,000 thefts in 2023.
Here are the hotspots based on the total number of vehicle thefts:
- California: 208,668
- Texas: 115,013
- Florida: 46,213
- Washington: 43,160
- Illinois: 41,528
- Colorado: 34,068
- New York: 32,715
- Ohio: 31,647
- Georgia: 28,171
- Missouri: 27,279
Top States by Theft Rate
The District of Columbia’s high theft rate is driven by a combination of factors. Here are the top 10 states ranked by thefts per 100,000 people:
- District of Columbia: 1,149.71
- Colorado: 583.25
- Nevada: 572.70
- Washington: 554.44
- California: 534.49
- New Mexico: 489.67
- Missouri: 441.61
- Maryland: 427.99
- Oregon: 394.14
- Texas: 383.00
Experts Weigh In
David J. Glawe, NICB’s president and CEO, points to the evolving tactics of criminals. “Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems,” Glawe stated. He highlighted keyless entry hacks and relay attacks as examples where perpetrators are taking advantage of weaknesses in modern vehicle security.
Glawe emphasizes the need for collaboration. “It is critical that industry and law enforcement work together to develop more effective strategies for combating auto theft and safeguarding public safety.”
The rise in vehicle theft presents a significant challenge for both law enforcement and the insurance industry. This trend underscores the need for continuous innovation in vehicle security and proactive measures to deter criminal activity.
