US Car Thefts Plummet 17% in Past Year: A 40-Year Low

Turns out 2024 wasn't exactly a banner year for car thieves. The data for last year has been completely analysed and we've got the latest stats! Vehicle thefts dropped big time across the country, with some places seeing numbers fall off a cliff.

The folks at the National Insurance Crime Bureau crunched the numbers and found thefts down 17% nationwide. That might not sound earth-shattering, but it's actually the biggest drop they've seen in 40 years. We're talking about falling below a million stolen cars for the first time since 2021.

Ohio did even better, with thefts dropping a whopping 23%. Instead of nearly 32,000 stolen vehicles like in 2023, they had about 24,600. That's over 7,000 fewer headaches for car owners.

The Usual Suspects

Here's where it gets interesting - certain cars are basically sitting ducks. The Hyundai Elantra got snatched more than any other ride, with over 31,000 thefts. The Sonata wasn't much safer at nearly 27,000.

Chevy Silverado pickups, Honda Accords, and Kia Optimas round out the top five. If you're driving one of these, maybe invest in some extra security.

Some States Are Winning This Fight

Washington state absolutely crushed it with a 32% drop in thefts. Nevada, Oregon, Nebraska, and Colorado all saw their numbers tank by at least 25%. Whatever they're doing over there, it's working.

But don't go celebrating just yet if you live in D.C. - they're still dealing with over 800 thefts per 100,000 people. California and New Mexico aren't having the easiest time either.

Don't Make It Easy for Them

Look, most of this stuff is common sense. Don't leave your keys sitting in the car. Don't leave it running while you dash into the store. Park where there's decent lighting. Lock your doors. Hide your laptop bag.

If someone does manage to swipe your ride, call the cops and your insurance company right away. The faster you report it, the better your chances of getting it back.

The good news? All the coordination between cops, car companies, and crime prevention groups seems to be paying off. Thieves are having a harder time, and that's exactly how it should be.