Number of car thefts in the US fell by 21% in six months — Motor1
In the United States, 268,415 vehicle thefts were recorded during the first half of 2026 — 21% fewer than in the same period of 2025. An annual decline in such crimes was recorded in all 50 states, Motor1 reports, citing data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). This amounts to approximately one stolen vehicle every minute.
Decline in every state
The largest decrease was recorded in the District of Columbia, where the number of thefts fell by 52%. In Tennessee, the figure dropped by 42%, in Vermont by 37%, and in New Hampshire and Colorado by 35%.
The highest number of stolen vehicles over six months was recorded in California — 57,821. At the same time, the state also showed an annual decline in thefts.
Among the ten metropolitan areas with the highest figures, the largest number of cases was recorded in Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim — 21,540. Chicago reported 11,761 thefts, while New York reported 11,306. Chicago was the only one of these ten metropolitan areas where the number of thefts increased — by 2% compared with the first half of 2025.
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Trend after the pandemic surge
The decline continues after thefts rose during the pandemic. In 2024, their number decreased by 17%, and in 2025 by 23%. For the whole of 2025, the NICB recorded 659,880 stolen vehicles — the lowest annual figure in several decades.
The most frequently stolen model in the United States in 2025 was the Hyundai Elantra — 21,732 cases. It was followed by the Honda Accord with 17,797 thefts and the Hyundai Sonata with 17,687. The NICB also reports that thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles declined for the third consecutive year in 2025.
The bureau advises drivers to lock their vehicles, close the windows, take their keys, not leave cars with the engine running unattended, and park in well-lit places. Steering-wheel locks, audible alarms, or GPS trackers can provide additional protection.
