#United States #Oak Brook #NICB #vehicle theft #Insurance Crime

Nationwide Decline in Vehicle Thefts Continues Through First Half of 2025

Vehicle thefts in the United States have witnessed a remarkable decrease of 23% in the first half of 2025, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). This marks a significant turn in trends, following a surge in vehicle thefts during the pandemic that peaked in 2023. During the first six months of this year, the NICB recorded 334,114 vehicle thefts, with rates consistently lower than those seen monthly in the previous year.

The NICB emphasizes that the declining figures signal a collective success from efforts spearheaded by law enforcement, automotive manufacturers, insurance providers, and organizations like NICB itself. David J. Glawe, the President and CEO of NICB, stated, "The significant declines we are seeing in 2025 demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative efforts. While vehicle theft continues to impact communities across the country, our organization fosters partnerships with advanced data analytics to instill peace of mind among American communities."

Notably, all but one of the fifty states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, recorded lower theft rates in the first half of 2025. Puerto Rico and Washington State led the country with impressive decreases of 43% and 42%, respectively. The top ten states showcasing the most substantial drops also included North Dakota and Louisiana, both experiencing a 32% reduction.

However, it's worth noting that Alaska reported an increase in vehicle thefts, primarily influenced by trends in the Anchorage metropolitan area, where the figures rose by 26%. The national average theft rate reduced from 126.62 to 97.33 vehicle thefts per 100,000 residents from 2024 to 2025. Despite the nationwide decline, Washington D.C. still holds the unfortunate title of the highest theft rate in the country, with an alarming 373 thefts per 100,000 residents.

Trends in Vehicle Models

The most commonly stolen vehicles during the first half of 2025 remain consistent with recent years, featuring models from Hyundai, Honda, Kia, and popular pickup trucks. The list of most stolen vehicles is topped by:

• - Hyundai Elantra - 11,329 thefts
• - Hyundai Sonata - 9,154 thefts
• - Honda Accord - 8,531 thefts
• - Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 8,006 thefts
• - Honda Civic - 6,396 thefts
• - Kia Optima - 6,011 thefts
• - Ford F150 - 4,996 thefts
• - Toyota Camry - 4,986 thefts
• - Honda CR-V - 4,889 thefts
• - Kia Soul - 4,380 thefts

Tips for Preventing Vehicle Theft

In light of these statistics, NICB offers vital tips for vehicle owners to deter potential theft:

• - Park Wisely: Always choose well-lit areas to park, as visibility can dissuade thieves.
• - Secure Your Vehicle: Before leaving, ensure your windows are rolled up and doors are locked. Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
• - Take Your Keys: Always carry your keys with you, even for quick stops.
• - Enhance Security: Consider anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, audible alarms, kill switches, or GPS tracking systems.

Conclusion

The trending decline in vehicle thefts marks a hopeful sign of recovery and resilience in the face of challenges posed by crime. Continued vigilance, partnership among various sectors, and public awareness will be essential to maintaining this downward trajectory. NICB urges anyone with information relating to vehicle theft or insurance fraud to report it via their toll-free number or website, ensuring that communities remain secure and thieves are held accountable.

For further information, NICB provides resources and assistance to empower vehicle owners in preventing thefts and combatting insurance fraud. Visit NICB.org for more details.