U.S. Vehicle Thefts Fall 21% in First Half of 2026, Continuing Nationwide Decline

More than 268,000 vehicles were reported stolen during the first six months of the year; every state recorded a year-over-year decrease

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vehicle thefts continued their nationwide decline during the first half of 2026, falling 21% compared with the same period last year, according to a new analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the leading, established non-profit dedicated to identifying insurance fraud.

A total of 268,415 vehicle thefts were reported to law enforcement during the first six months of 2026. The United States experienced a vehicle theft rate of approximately 77.81 thefts per 100,000 people during the first two quarters of the year.

The decline was widespread, with all 50 states recording year-over-year percentage decreases in vehicle thefts during the first half of 2026, extending a broader downward trend in vehicle thefts seen in recent years.

"Vehicle thefts continue to decrease across the country, and it's encouraging to see that every state experienced a decline," said NICB Chief Operating Officer Tim Slater. "While there are many factors contributing to this, these results demonstrate what can be accomplished through sustained collaboration among law enforcement, insurers, auto theft prevention authorities and other partners. That being said, with more than a quarter-million vehicles stolen in just six months, continued investment in these partnerships, as well as prevention and public awareness, is paramount to sustaining positive progress."

The District of Columbia recorded the largest percentage decrease in vehicle thefts during the first half of the year, with thefts falling 52% compared with the first half of 2025. Despite that sharp improvement, the nation's capital continued to have the highest theft rate among states and jurisdictions analyzed, at 181.94 thefts per 100,000 people.

Top States by Percentage Decreases in Thefts

California continued to record the highest overall number of stolen vehicles at the state level, with 57,821 vehicles reported stolen during the first half of 2026.

Vehicle thefts remained concentrated in several of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California metro area recorded the highest number of vehicle thefts during the first half of 2026, with 21,540 vehicles stolen.

Top 10 Metropolitan Areas by Total Vehicle Thefts

Among the 10 areas with the highest number of vehicle thefts, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin was the only metropolitan area to experience a year-over-year increase, with thefts rising 2% compared with the first half of 2025.

The Bakersfield-Delano, California, metro area recorded the highest vehicle theft rate in the country, at 223.28 thefts per 100,000 people, nearly triple the national rate of 77.81.

While vehicle thefts have experienced another decline in the first half of 2026, NICB urges consumers to remain vigilant, as the risk of vehicle theft is far from gone. Even as organized crime groups have increasingly shifted away from traditional vehicle theft, motorists must stay aware that a wide range of other vehicle-related crimes and fraudulent schemes continue to rise.

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 who believes they have information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle crime can report it to NICB at ReportInsuranceFraud.org or by calling 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422).

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)