NICB: US Vehicle Thefts Down as Prevention Partnerships Pay Dividends
The organization is also calling for further action to sustain progress as reported vehicle thefts fell to their lowest national levels in decades…
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a non-profit dedicated to identifying insurance fraud, is highlighting a decline in vehicle thefts. NICB’s 2025 Vehicle Theft Report, completed this spring, found the U.S. experienced a 23.2% national decline in vehicle thefts, falling from 850,708 thefts in 2024 to 659,880 thefts in 2025.
The decrease represents 190,828 fewer vehicle thefts year-over-year and shows the effectiveness of coordinated prevention and intelligence sharing between law enforcement and theft prevention programs, as well as strengthened criminal penalties across the country, officials sated in a press release.
“Vehicle theft declined significantly in 2025, and we know that progress did not happen by accident,” said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB. “It reflects coordinated work among law enforcement, auto theft prevention authorities, policymakers, manufacturers, insurers and the public. While public-private partnerships in crime prevention are making a difference, the fight against vehicle theft is not over.”
Auto theft prevention authorities have played an important role in several states that saw major decreases in vehicle theft, according to the report. Colorado, Texas and Washington saw some of the largest volume and percentage declines in theft after strengthening criminal penalties for theft in recent years and adding dedicated auto theft prevention authorities that support public awareness, law enforcement coordination, grantmaking, technology investments and partnerships with organizations like NICB.
“Colorado, Texas and Washington are prime examples of what is possible when states build durable infrastructure around auto theft prevention,” Glawe said. “Dedicated authorities, targeted law enforcement support, public awareness and strong public-private collaboration foster a sustainable public safety strategy.”
Fewer Thefts a Nationwide Trend
Nearly every state saw reductions in vehicle theft last year, and several states saw especially significant decreases in theft volume, including:
- California: 45,278 fewer thefts
- Texas: 23,027 fewer thefts
- Washington: 11,617 fewer thefts
- Florida: 10,929 fewer thefts
- Colorado: 8,863 fewer thefts
- Georgia: 6,663 fewer thefts
- Missouri: 6,325 fewer thefts
- Tennessee: 6,270 fewer thefts
- Illinois: 6,048 fewer thefts
- Michigan: 4,799 fewer thefts
Public awareness and continued support of antitheft groups remain a critical part of prevention, according to officials. The decline also follows policy and enforcement changes in several states.
NICB warns against complacency stemming from the progress made in 2025, however. More than 659,000 vehicles were stolen nationwide last year, and organized theft networks are continuing to evolve, presenting new vehicle theft risks.
Prevention Steps
Even as vehicle thefts continue to decline, NICB is encouraging drivers to take these basic prevention steps, which shops can share with their customers:
While in the vehicle:
- Park in well-lit areas. Increased visibility deters thieves, so always park in a well-lit parking lot or spot near a streetlight.
- Roll up the windows. Limit point of access by making sure windows are rolled up before exiting the vehicle.
When exiting the vehicle:
- Lock the doors. Some criminals walk through parking lots testing handles to choose which vehicle they take, so always lock the car before leaving.
- Never leave a vehicle running while unattended. An empty vehicle with the engine running is practically an invitation to opportunistic criminals. Always turn off the vehicle when exiting.
- Always take the keys. Even when picking up a quick coffee or running back inside the house for something, it only takes moments for thieves to jump in and drive off with the car.
For an additional layer of security:
- Consider using anti-theft technology. Many solutions are available through the aftermarket and can include steering wheel locks, audible alarms, kill switches or GPS tracking like air tags. The items deter thieves from targeting a car and ultimately make it easier to find if stolen.
