For the primary time in over 40 years, car thefts within the U.S. have taken a major downturn. In line with the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB), stolen car studies fell by nearly 17% in 2024. Final 12 months, greater than 1,000,000 automobiles have been stolen nationwide, however that quantity dropped to 850,708 in 2024. This sharp decline is a significant shift, particularly after years of rising theft charges. Whereas car safety continues to be a priority, this progress reveals that preventative efforts are beginning to repay.

In a press launch, David J. Glawe, President and CEO of NICB, shared that, “The general lower in stolen autos nationwide is a testomony to the arduous work and collaboration between regulation enforcement, multi-jurisdictional auto theft job forces, governing our bodies, car producers, and NICB. Collectively, these teams used knowledge and intelligence to develop actionable methods to assist native authorities examine and prosecute offenders and to forestall car theft from occurring within the first place.”

States Main the Decline

Some states made specifically robust features in decreasing car thefts. Washington noticed essentially the most important enchancment, with a 32% lower, adopted carefully by Nevada at 31% and Oregon at 30%. Nebraska and Colorado additionally reported spectacular declines of 29% and 26%, respectively.

These reductions didn’t occur by probability: many states have ramped up regulation enforcement initiatives, and automakers have introduced stronger anti-theft measures to guard drivers.

How Hyundai and Kia Performed a Position

One of many greatest components on this decline has been the response to the surge in Hyundai and Kia car thefts. In earlier years, these manufacturers turned prime targets as a result of sure fashions lacked engine immobilizers, making them simpler to steal. After a wave of thefts and lawsuits, Hyundai and Kia took motion, providing free software program updates, ignition cylinder protectors, and reimbursement packages for added safety measures.

The outcomes have been placing—car thefts involving Hyundai and Kia fashions dropped by 37.5% in 2024, proving that these safety measures had an actual influence.

Why Automobile Theft Is Nonetheless a Concern

Even with this excellent news, car theft stays a expensive difficulty. The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) estimates that automotive theft prices People more than $8 billion annually. That’s why it’s nonetheless vital to take precautions. Easy steps like all the time locking your automotive, maintaining valuables out of sight, and parking in well-lit areas could make a giant distinction.

Whereas technology is improving, private consciousness and preventive habits stay key to maintaining autos protected.

What’s Subsequent for Auto Theft Prevention?

The decline in car thefts is a optimistic signal, but it surely doesn’t imply the issue is solved. Continued developments in anti-theft expertise, regulation enforcement efforts, and public consciousness campaigns can be crucial to keep up this progress.

For now, although, 2024 has proven that sensible safety measures and collective motion could make an actual distinction in defending autos and decreasing crime.