Vehicle Theft on the Rise Across the United States
Car owners in the District of Columbia face a significantly higher risk of vehicle theft, according to a recent report issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Overall vehicle thefts across the US increased from 1,008,756 in 2022 to 1,020,729 in 2023. The District of Columbia saw the highest theft rate, with 1,149.71 thefts per 100,000 people. This rate is more than three times the national average.
In terms of the percentage increase in vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023, the following states are considered ‘hotspots’:
- 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%
NICB also noted that California recorded the highest number of vehicle thefts in 2023, with 208,668 thefts.
In terms of total vehicle thefts, the ‘hotspot’ states are:
- 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
The District of Columbia had the highest theft rate per 100,000 people in 2023. The top 10 states are:
- 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
David J. Glawe, president and chief executive of NICB, commented on the rise in vehicle thefts:
“Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems. From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, perpetrators are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with alarming success rates.”
“It is critical that industry and law enforcement work together to develop more effective strategies for combating auto theft and safeguarding public safety.”
