The first half of 2023 was a busy time for car thieves.
Crooks stole nearly 500,000 vehicles nationwide, according to a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a not-for-profit association supported by the insurance industry.
Thefts are up 2% over the same period in 2022, and are near record levels. In a summary of the NICB report, David J. Glawe, president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, says:
“Vehicle thefts increased to near-record highs in the United States last year, and unfortunately, current trends indicate total thefts this year may surpass 2022. With little deterrent to stop these criminal actors, law enforcement agencies and communities will continue to suffer.”
Following are the states that have had the most car thefts in 2023 thus far.
1. California
Total number of vehicles stolen in this state in the first half of 2023: 99,769
More cars were stolen in California than in any other state. However, there is a silver lining: Thefts were actually down 2% year over year through the first six months of 2023.
2. Texas
Total number of vehicles stolen in this state in the first half of 2023: 55,365
The trend in Texas is not good: Auto thefts in the Lone Star State are up 9% year over year.
3. Florida
Total number of vehicles stolen in this state in the first half of 2023: 22,393
Car thefts edged down 1% year over year in Florida. But the state still has enough stolen vehicles to rank at No. 3 year to date.
In some states, certain models have become prime targets for thieves. For more, check out “Auto Insurers Are Refusing to Cover Some Cars Because They’re Stolen So Frequently.”
The rest of the top 10
Here are the other states where auto thefts are soaring. Of all states in the top 10, Illinois has seen the biggest jump in thefts by far — up 38% in 2023:
- Washington: 21,182 thefts thus far in 2023
- Illinois: 20,820
- Colorado: 17,909
- New York: 16,100
- Ohio: 15,681
- Georgia: 14,101
- Missouri: 13,374
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