Vehicle Thefts Hit One Million For First Time Since 2008

It's not looking good when it comes to fighting vehicle theft in the U.S., as theft numbers continue to climb.  Last fall, we reported that more than 745,000 vehicles had been stolen during the first three quarters of 2022.  Now, with preliminary data from the fourth quarter in,  the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that the number of cars stolen topped 1 million in 2022 -  a first since 2008.

2022 Vehicle Thefts Up 7%

NICB researchers say that in 2022, law enforcement agencies and communities across the U.S. reported record and near-record levels of vehicular crime, with monthly theft totals nationwide consistently exceeding 75,000. Add it up and its new analysis determined that more than 1 million vehicles were stolen last year, a 7% increase over 2021. 

Researchers say the vehicle theft data, provided by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and analyzed by NICB, indicates over 250,000 thefts were reported in the fourth quarter of 2022 alone. This pushed the yearly total past the 1 million mark for the first time since 2008.  When you put a dollar amount on it, the NICB says it amounts to an estimated $8.9 billion worth of vehicle theft losses.

Top 10 States 

The two states with by far the most reported thefts are California and Texas.  Illinois had the largest increase of any top 10 state with thefts increasing by an estimated 35% between 2021 and 2022. The situation wasn't much better in Washington State with vehicle thefts spiking 31% over the same period.

Here's a breakdown of some of the NICB's numbers:

“We are seeing vehicle theft numbers that we haven’t seen in nearly 15 years, and there is very little deterrent to stop criminals from committing these acts as they are just property crimes, like shoplifting,” said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. “We must reinvest in local law enforcement, provide the necessary resources for prosecution and community policing programs, and implement early intervention programs given the high incidence of juvenile offenders involved in vehicle thefts."

Thefts Between 2019-2022

According to the NICB analysis, the U.S. is seeing the highest vehicle theft numbers in 15 years, when 1.05 million vehicles were reported stolen in 2008.

You can see the steady theft increase between 2019 and 2022 below:

“NICB, along with our partners in law enforcement, are proactively working to prevent and deter vehicle theft, but vehicle owners should stay vigilant,” said Glawe. “Remember, practicing good personal security hygiene is an easy and effective first step all of us can take to protect ourselves and our vehicles. 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.” 

Tips To Avoid Becoming A Victim of Vehicle Theft

The NICB provides these tips to help keep your car from being stolen.

1. Always practice good security hygiene.
2. Make sure your auto policy is up to date.
3. Roll up your windows, lock your doors, and take the keys or fob.
4. Park in well-lit areas and, when possible, areas staffed by security
5. 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 you're vehicle is stolen, contact police and your insurer immediately to report the theft.  Reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.

Photo Credit: Fractal Pictures/Shutterstock.com.