Car theft remains a significant concern for vehicle owners across the United States. Reports show thieves were responsible for over $8.9 billion in losses and over 1 million stolen cars last year. And once the numbers are totaled for 2023, the rise in car thefts is expected to increase dramatically.
With varying rates of thefts in different states, it’s crucial to be aware of which areas have the highest numbers to ensure you take appropriate precautions. This article will explore the top 5 states for car theft in 2023 according to institutions like the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and Insurance Information Institute (III).
We will provide specific theft stats for each state and highlight the most commonly stolen vehicles.
The Top States for Car Theft
California
California consistently ranks as the state with the highest number of car thefts in the United States. According to the SiLive, in 2022, California reported over 200,000 car thefts. In addition, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have exceptionally high theft rates, with approximately 40,000 and 20,000 incidents, respectively.
The Golden State isn’t so golden if you have a Honda Civic, Honda Accord, or Chevrolet Silverado. Dense populations, higher numbers of vehicles, and a bustling tourist industry contribute to the increased risk of car theft in this state.
Texas
In 2022, Texas ranked second with the highest car theft rates, with a 10 percent increase to over 100,000 reported incidents. In addition, the Lone Star State’s major cities, such as Houston (25,000 thefts), Dallas (18,000 thefts), and San Antonio (15,000 thefts), experience elevated rates of vehicle theft.
In Texas, be careful if you have the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, or GMC Sierra. Rapid growth and significant traffic flow make them prime targets for car thieves.
Florida
With all the people moving to Florida and many ports, it’s no surprise that it’s third on our list. CarVertical reported that 7,853,979 registered vehicles in Florida in 2022. Of those, 45,973 were reported stolen. That’s five vehicles stolen per 1,000
Major cities like Miami and Orlando experience high vehicle theft rates, with around 15,000 and 8,000 incidents, respectively. The most commonly stolen vehicles in Florida include the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Toyota Camry. The state’s booming tourism industry and beautiful weather make it a hotspot for car thieves, as they target both residents’ and tourists’ vehicles.
Washington
Washington State ranks fourth in car thefts in 2022, a 31 percent change over 2021, with over 46,000 reported incidents. Cities like Seattle and Tacoma have higher numbers of thefts, with approximately 12,000 and 6,000 incidents, respectively. Washington’s most commonly stolen vehicles are the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Subaru Legacy. Factors such as having an international border and the presence of large ports contribute to the elevated rates of car theft in this state.
Georgia
Rounding out our list of top 5 states for car theft in 2023 is Georgia, with over 26,000 reported incidents in 2022. Atlanta, in particular, has experienced a surge in vehicle theft rates in recent years, with around 10,000 car thefts. Georgia’s most commonly stolen vehicles include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and Toyota Camry. Factors contributing to the rise include rapid population growth, urban development, and the presence of major transportation hubs.
So what can you do about it?
Now, if you live in one of these top five — or any state— there’s a Solution for High-Crime Climates. In states with high car theft rates, taking proactive measures to protect your vehicle is crucial.
Installing a vehicle monitoring and recovery system like Elo GPS helps you keep track of your car at all times. With features like real-time vehicle locating, customizable alerts, and theft recovery assistance by a US-based team that is there to help you 24/7 all 365 days of the year.
Elo GPS gives you peace of mind, no matter where you live. Invest in an Elo GPS device and keep your car safe.