Car theft statistics just don't seem to be getting any better. In fact, in its latest data analysis, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that vehicle theft totals are closing in on record highs. Add to that, we are now in what is typically the busiest time of the year for car thieves - holiday season.
745,000+ Vehicles Stolen So Far In 2022
Through the first three quarters of the year, the NICB reports that 745,000 vehicles were stolen, with over 250,000 having been reported to law enforcement since the end of June alone. The analysis is compiled using data from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Compared to 2019, that's a 24% jump in auto thefts in the same time period. The NICB warns if this trend continues, totals could exceed one million stolen vehicles nationally by the end of the year and surpass pre-pandemic highs by more than 100,000 stolen vehicles.
We also recently shared NICB data that estimated there have been $4.5 billion worth of vehicle losses from vehicle thefts as of June 30th, 2022.
“The year may be coming to an end, but criminals are not going on winter break,” said David Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. “Even as temperatures drop, vehicle owners everywhere need to know that the criminals are still on the hunt.”
NICB researchers say vehicle thefts in the U.S. are the highest they have been since 2008. The NICB says according to its past research, vehicle thefts tend to increase in the last three months of the year during the holiday season. If that trend hold true this year, the NICB predicts the U.S. will see thefts trending around yearly highs through the end of the year.
“Remember, practicing good security hygiene is an easy and effective first step all of us can take to protect ourselves and our vehicles,” said Glawe. “Don’t leave your car running and unattended. Always take your keys with you and most importantly, make sure your auto policy is up to date. It is that simple.”
NICB Car Theft Prevention Tips
- Always practice good security hygiene.
- Make sure your auto policy is up to date.
- Roll up your windows, lock your doors, and take the keys or fob.
- Park in well-lit areas and, when possible, areas staffed by security
- Park personal vehicles in a garage. If not possible, and vehicles must be parked in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights. While lights may not provide complete security, it may make some thieves think twice, making them leave the area and your vehicle untouched.
If your car is stolen call police immediately because reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.
Photo Credit: Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock.com.