Vehicle thefts across the United States dropped sharply in the first half of 2025, falling 23 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, according to newly released figures from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a nonprofit group that tracks and combats insurance fraud.
From January through June, 334,114 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide, with monthly totals remaining consistently below 2024 levels. The decline continues a trend that began last year, when thefts started to ease after a pandemic-era surge peaked in 2023.
If the trajectory holds through December, the United States will record a second consecutive year of falling thefts, bringing the numbers closer to those seen before the coronavirus crisis.
“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, the bureau’s president and chief executive.
The bureau works closely with federal, state and local authorities to dismantle theft rings and to promote preventive measures, from legislation to data-sharing systems. Analysts credit those partnerships, as well as automakers’ anti-theft technologies, for the drop.
Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico all reported declines in thefts. Puerto Rico and Washington State saw the steepest drops, each down more than 40 percent. Only Alaska bucked the trend, reporting a 26 percent increase, driven largely by thefts in the Anchorage area.
Top States by Percent Decrease in Vehicle Thefts:
Top States by Percent Decrease in Vehicle Thefts:
|
# |
State |
Q1-Q2 2024—Q1-Q2 2025 Percent Change |
|
1 |
Puerto Rico |
-43 % |
|
2 |
Washington State |
-42 % |
|
3* |
North Dakota |
-32 % |
|
3* |
Louisiana |
-32 % |
|
5 |
Colorado |
-31 % |
|
6 |
Florida |
-30 % |
|
7 |
Tennessee |
-29 % |
|
8* |
California, Connecticut, Georgia, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia |
-26 % |
Nationally, the average theft rate fell to 97.3 per 100,000 residents in the first six months of 2025, down from 126.6 during the same period in 2024. Washington, D.C., however, remained an outlier, with a theft rate nearly four times the national average.
Top 10 States with Highest Vehicle Theft Rate (per 100,000 Residents)
Top 10 States with Highest Vehicle Theft Rate (per 100,000 Residents)
|
# |
State |
2025 Q1-Q2 Theft Rate |
|
1 |
District of Columbia |
373.09 |
|
2 |
California |
178.01 |
|
3 |
Nevada |
167.68 |
|
4 |
New Mexico |
167.54 |
|
5 |
Colorado |
149.04 |
|
6 |
Missouri |
142.17 |
|
7 |
Maryland |
136.48 |
|
8 |
Texas |
123.83 |
|
9 |
Alaska |
117.41 |
|
10 |
Washington |
115.20 |
The types of vehicles stolen remained familiar. Hyundai, Honda and Kia models dominated the list, alongside popular pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150.
Most Stolen Vehicles in the First Half of 2025
Most Stolen Vehicles in the First Half of 2025
|
# |
Make/Model |
2025 Q1-Q2 Thefts |
|
1 |
Hyundai Elantra |
11,329 |
|
2 |
Hyundai Sonata |
9,154 |
|
3 |
Honda Accord |
8,531 |
|
4 |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 |
8,006 |
|
5 |
Honda Civic |
6,396 |
|
6 |
Kia Optima |
6,011 |
|
7 |
Ford F150 |
4,996 |
|
8 |
Toyota Camry |
4,986 |
|
9 |
Honda CR-V |
4,889 |
|
10 |
Kia Soul |
4,380 |
Officials urged drivers to remain vigilant despite the nationwide decline. The bureau recommends parking in well-lit areas, rolling up windows, locking doors, and never leaving a vehicle running unattended. Anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, alarms and GPS trackers can also deter thieves and aid recovery.
The NICB encourages the public to report suspected theft or fraud through its hotline at 800-TEL-NICB or online at nicb.org.