Car Theft is on the Rise in These 10 States

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10 States Where Your Car Is Most Likely to Be Stolen (financebuzz.com)

Is Your Car at Risk? Unpacking the Top 10 States for Vehicle Theft

Getting your car stolen is more than just a headache; it can hit your wallet hard. That’s why staying informed about vehicle theft trends is a smart move for any car owner. Knowing which areas are seeing the most theft activity can help you take proactive steps to protect your ride before it becomes a target.

Recently, FinanceBuzz delved into car theft statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to pinpoint the ten states where your vehicle is most likely to be stolen. Read on to see if your state made the list.

10. Tennessee

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 275.5

Tennessee, particularly its bustling cities like Nashville and Memphis, experiences a notable level of vehicle theft. While intensified law enforcement and public awareness campaigns helped reduce these numbers by 26% in 2024, the state still ranks among the top ten nationally. Popular models targeted by thieves include the Nissan Maxima, Hyundai Elantra, and Nissan Altima.

9. Oregon

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 277.7

Oregon, with Portland as a primary concern, continues to grapple with a relatively high number of vehicle thefts, despite a significant 30% drop in cases from 2023 to 2024. Officials are actively working to address external factors that may be contributing to the problem. The Honda Civic was the most commonly stolen car in the state, with 435 reported stolen in 2024.

8. Texas

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 316.5

Texas sees a substantial number of vehicle thefts annually, predominantly in major urban centers such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Trucks and SUVs are frequent targets, often ending up resold. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a favorite among car thieves in Texas, though vigilance is advised for all vehicle owners.

7. Maryland

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 346.3

The majority of car thefts in Maryland occur in Baltimore, where criminals have exploited keyless entry vulnerabilities. The state is diligently working to strengthen penalties to further deter these activities. The good news is that Maryland saw a 19% decrease in car thefts in 2024 compared to the previous year.

6. Washington

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 375.1

Washington state, particularly the Seattle-Tacoma area, has experienced a significant surge in car thefts in recent years. However, this trend shows signs of slowing, with car theft numbers decreasing by 32% in 2024 compared to 2023. Authorities attribute the high rate to a combination of factors, with stolen vehicles often stripped for parts or used in further criminal activity.

5. Missouri

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 379.6

Car theft in Missouri remains high, especially in areas like Kansas City and St. Louis, despite a 14% decrease in car thefts in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Last year, State Representative Steve Butz (D-St. Louis) introduced the Auto Theft Prevention Commission to fund a new grant program aimed at preventing, combating, and reducing vehicle theft.

4. Nevada

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 394.4

The majority of vehicle thefts in Nevada take place in Las Vegas, where tourist traffic and dense parking areas present prime opportunities for thieves. While theft rates fluctuate annually, and Nevada did see a 31% drop in thefts in 2024, it remains one of the highest contenders on this list. Airport parking garages are particularly frequent targets.

3. Colorado

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 430

Car thefts have been a growing concern in Colorado in recent years, especially in metropolitan areas like Denver and Colorado Springs. Some attribute the issue to repeat offenders and lenient penalties, with stolen cars often linked to other crimes.

The state began combating this problem a few years ago with Bill 23-097, which strengthened penalties for vehicle theft and unauthorized use. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of car thefts decreased by 26%.

2. New Mexico

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 458.2

New Mexico, particularly Albuquerque, experiences high rates of vehicle theft, though they are down 7% compared to 2023. Many stolen vehicles are used in other offenses or transported across the border into Mexico. To deter thieves, it’s advisable to park cars in well-lit areas and utilize anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks.

1. California

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 463.2

California leads the nation in automobile thefts, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland ranking among the highest cities for this crime. The state’s dense population and complex road networks create a hotspot for vehicle theft, despite a 14% decline in car thefts from 2023 to 2024.

The Bottom Line

Whether you reside in a high-risk area or plan to travel through one, implementing simple precautions can make a significant difference. From parking in well-lit areas to installing anti-theft devices, these steps can not only help keep your car safe but also potentially save you money on car insurance. After all, insurers often reward drivers who take extra measures to protect their vehicles.