Auto Theft Statistics
"Vehicles are stolen intentionally, not accidentally and auto theft constitutes a significant economic loss to society."
What Are The Top 10 Stolen Vehicles In Your State?
Although vehicle theft is primarily a crime of opportunity, perpetrators often favor particular makes and models. The following lists rank, according to information received available by the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) the ten most common vehicles stolen in the state of occurrence. The NICB studies on auto theft reads loud and clear. Thieves still have their favorites when it comes to auto theft. Unfortunately, the most popular vehicles for thieves are also the most popular vehicles for consumers. As a result, the NICB reports that drivers of theft prone vehicles must take additional anti-theft measures to ensure the security of the vehicle.
Note: These studies are based on millions of motor vehicle thefts reported to the National Crime Information Center by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The Hard Facts & Stats
Thieves typically choose these vehicles because of their huge profit potential when the cars are stripped down to their components, which then supply a vast black market for stolen parts.
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Hundreds of thousands of stolen U.S. vehicles are shipped overseas or driven across U.S. borders each year.
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Vehicle theft is the costliest property crime in the U.S., costing consumers more than $8.2 billion annually.
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Newer models are more likely to be illegally shipped abroad, while older vehicles are mainly stolen for their parts.
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The popularity of Mini Vans, Pickups, Trucks, and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) is making them an increasingly attractive target for thieves.
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Most chop shop operators make two to four times a vehicles actual worth by selling its parts separately.
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Most skilled chop shop operators can surgically strip a car in less than 30 minutes.
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Thousands of vehicles worth hundreds of millions are stolen and taken to Mexico every year.
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Export rings meet the demand for American-made cars, trucks, and utility vehicle in developing countries by stealing vehicles from the U.S. and shipping them across international borders and overseas for resale.
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Nearly 40% of all vehicle thefts occur in or near ports or border communities.
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See what are the ten-cities/metropolitan areas (MSAs) with the highest vehicle theft rates:
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Theft is higher at port areas because thieves can easily ship or drive vehicles across borders and then sell them on the black market in other countries.
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Every year, close to 450,000 cars and trucks were stolen nationwide in metropolitan areas with ports or in those close to international borders.
It is no surprise that auto thieves continue to favor popular models.
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National Vehicle Theft Facts & Stats
This is the most recent and publicly available information.
