According to new data, auto thefts have decreased from 2023, but still remain at a high level. This information was revealed in a recent report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
The report, which analyzed data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, showed that there were 748,841 reported cases of motor vehicle theft in 2023. This number decreased to 707,758 in 2024, a 5.5% decrease.
Despite this decrease, the NICB notes that auto thefts are still a major issue, with a vehicle being stolen every 43 seconds in the United States. The top three states with the highest number of reported auto thefts in 2024 were California, Texas, and Florida.
The NICB also analyzed the data by vehicle type and found that sedans were the most commonly stolen type of vehicle, followed by pickups and SUVs. The report also revealed that the top five most stolen vehicle models in 2024 were the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Ford Pickup (Full Size), Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size), and Toyota Camry.
The NICB credits the decrease in auto thefts to advancements in vehicle security technology, such as keyless entry systems and immobilizers. However, they also warn that thieves are becoming more sophisticated and finding ways to bypass these security measures.
To prevent auto theft, the NICB recommends taking simple precautions such as locking your vehicle, parking in well-lit areas, and never leaving your keys in the car. They also suggest using anti-theft devices and being aware of your surroundings.
In addition to these preventative measures, the NICB also encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or potential auto theft to the authorities.
While the decrease in auto thefts is a positive sign, the NICB reminds us that it is still a prevalent issue and urges the public to remain vigilant in protecting their vehicles.
