Auto Thefts Fall In the First Half Of 2025   

Great news when it comes to vehicle thefts.  A nationwide decline in theft continues according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).  Its new analysis of reported thefts finds that vehicle thefts in the U.S. fell 23% during the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The NICB is 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, NICB researchers say 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. 

The welcome decline in auto thefts signals a trend downwards towards pre-pandemic levels. A surge in theft years during the pandemic peaked in 2023.  The NICB says if current trends continue through the end of 2025, this will mark the second consecutive year of a nationwide decline in vehicle theft totals.

“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.”

Fighting vehicle theft is a coordinated effort. The NICB says it plays a valuable role in coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the U.S. to identify, deter, and prevent schemes undertaken by complex vehicle theft rings. The NICB says that cooperation from federal and state law enforcement, legislators, fraud-fighting partners in the private sector and organizations like it 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. 

Here's a look at the Top 10 states with the biggest decline in vehicle thefts, as well as those with the highest number of thefts and the most stolen models in the first half of 2025:

According to the NICB analysis, Alaska was the only state to report an increase in thefts, with a 26 percent rise. Researcher says the increase 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. The NICB analysis shows that D.C. experiences vehicle thefts at nearly four times the national average – approximately 373 thefts 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.

NICB Tips to Combat Vehicle Theft

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.