Nationwide Decline in Vehicle Thefts Continues Through First Half of 2025

Stolen Vehicles Down 23% Compared to Mid-2024

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vehicle thefts in the United States fell 23% during the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to a new analysis of reported thefts from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the nation's leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing and combating insurance crime.

With 334,114 vehicle thefts reported in the first half of 2025, monthly totals of this type of crime remained consistently lower than in any month last year. These figures sustain a nationwide trend of significant declines in vehicle theft beginning in 2024.

After years of a pandemic-fueled surge in thefts peaked in 2023, stolen vehicle figures are now trending towards pre-pandemic levels. If current trends continue through the end of 2025, vehicle theft totals are set to decrease nationwide for the second consecutive year.

"The significant declines we are seeing in 2025 demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative efforts by law enforcement, automakers, insurers, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau," said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of NICB. "While vehicle theft continues to impact communities across the country, NICB will continue fostering strong partnerships and the use of advanced data analytics to make meaningful progress in protecting consumers, holding criminals accountable and bringing peace of mind to American communities."

NICB plays a valuable role in coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the United States to identify, deter, and prevent schemes undertaken by complex vehicle theft rings. Cooperation from federal and state law enforcement, legislators, fraud-fighting partners in the private sector and organizations like NICB play a significant factor in the drop in vehicle thefts each year.  

Overall, 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico reported fewer thefts in the first half of 2025. The top ten states for vehicle theft experienced decreases ranging from six percent to 42 percent. Puerto Rico and Washington State led the nation with 43 percent and 42 percent declines in thefts respectively.

Top States by Percent Decrease in Vehicle Thefts:

Alaska was the only state to report an increase in thefts, with a 26 percent rise, largely driven by theft trends in the Anchorage metropolitan area.

The national average theft rate fell from 126.62 per 100,000 residents in the first half of 2024 to 97.33 in the first half of 2025. Despite nationwide progress, Washington, D.C. retains the top theft rate in the country; D.C. experiences vehicle thefts at nearly four times the national average – approximately 373 thefts per 100,000 residents.

Top 10 States with Highest Vehicle Theft Rate (per 100,000 Residents)

America's most frequently stolen vehicles remain largely consistent with recent years, with Hyundai, Honda, and Kia, along with some of the most popular pickup models in the U.S. dominating the top spots.

Most Stolen Vehicles in the First Half of 2025

To prevent vehicle thefts from occurring, NICB recommends the following tips for vehicle owners: 

While in your vehicle:

• Park in well-lit areas. Increased visibility deters thieves, so always park in a well-lit parking lot or spot near a streetlight.
• Roll up your windows. Limit point of access by making sure your windows are rolled up before you exit your vehicle.

When exiting your vehicle:

• Lock your doors. Some criminals walk through parking lots testing handles to choose which vehicle they take, so always lock your car before you leave it.
• Never leave your vehicle running while unattended. An empty vehicle with the engine running is practically an invitation to opportunistic criminals. Always turn off your vehicle when you exit.
• Always take your keys with you. Even if you're picking up a quick coffee or running back inside your house for something, it only takes moments for thieves to jump in and drive off with your car.

For an additional layer of security:

• Consider using anti-theft technology. These items include steering wheel locks, audible alarms, kill switches, or aftermarket GPS tracking like air tags. These items deter thieves from targeting your car, and if they do take it, ultimately make it easier to find.

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422) or submitting a form on our website.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. To learn more, visit NICB.org.

SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)