Vehicle Thefts in U.S. Decline 23% in First Half of 2025, NICB Reports
Despite this improvement, thefts remain substantial, with over 334,000 vehicles stolen in the first six months of 2025. Historically, vehicle thefts surged during the pandemic years due to supply chain disruptions and increased demand for used cars, but recent data indicates a shift in this upward trend.
The decline in thefts is attributed to concerted efforts by multiple stakeholders including law enforcement, automakers, insurers, and crime prevention agencies. Enhanced coordination, increased data sharing, and targeted sting operations have played a key role in dismantling organized auto theft rings. Additionally, automakers like Hyundai and Kia responded to theft spikes linked to social media challenges by implementing free software upgrades and anti-theft technologies, particularly for vulnerable models lacking immobilizers.
Economic factors also influence theft trends, as easing supply chain pressures and lower used-parts prices reduce the profitability of stealing vehicles for resale or dismantling. This has diminished the incentive for theft rings. Moreover, vehicles targeted by thieves are evolving from classic muscle cars to more common models such as the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord, and Chevrolet Silverado, indicating shifts in market demand for stolen vehicles.
Geographically, the decline in thefts is widespread across the U.S., with only Alaska reporting an increase. States like Washington and Puerto Rico experienced substantial reductions, while Washington, D.C. maintains the highest theft rate, nearly four times the national average. The NICB notes that previous years' theft surges have left fewer easily targeted vehicles available, contributing to the current downturn.
The NICB recommends practical measures for theft prevention including parking in well-lit areas, securing vehicles by locking doors and rolling up windows, retaining keys, and avoiding leaving vehicles running unattended. Adoption of additional anti-theft technologies such as steering-wheel locks, alarms, GPS trackers, and kill switches is encouraged to further deter theft.
Insurers and risk managers monitoring these trends should consider the impact of improving vehicle security technologies, enhanced law enforcement strategies, and shifting theft patterns on underwriting, claims management, and fraud prevention practices. Continued collaboration among industry and law enforcement stakeholders remains crucial to sustaining the downward trajectory in vehicle theft rates.