Most Americans depend on their personal vehicles for essential transportation needs, such as commuting, attending appointments, and carrying out daily errands. Vehicle ownership plays a vital role in granting individuals the freedom and self-reliance they value. Losing a vehicle to theft not only causes a substantial financial setback but also creates a deep sense of vulnerability and disruption. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is educating vehicle owners about the importance of vehicle theft prevention.

Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion annually. More than one million vehicles were stolen in 2023 — this accounts for a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Passenger cars have historically made up most of the stolen vehicles. Estimates show that approximately one vehicle is stolen every 31 seconds.

In 2023, these states had the most vehicle thefts, as provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

1. California
2. Texas
3. Florida
4. Washington
5. Illinois
6. Colorado
7. New York
8. Ohio
9. Georgia
10. Missouri

Ways vehicle owners can keep their vehicles safe all the time?

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Hide your valuables.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• Consider purchasing extra layers of protection for your vehicle if your manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system. These can easily be purchased online or in a store.

For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/theft. For additional resources, visit NICB.org.