According to the latest data from the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ), vehicle thefts were up 33.5% during the first half of 2023 compared with the same period the previous year. More precisely:
Source: CCJ Mid Year Crime Trends
- 23,974 vehicle thefts were reported in the first six months of 2023.
- Compared to 2019, 2023’s first half saw a staggering 104.3% increase in auto thefts.
- May 2023 had the most significant increase in auto thefts, up 43% from the year prior.
- Each month this year experienced an auto theft rate increase of nearly 30% or more.
Regional Variations
Not all cities have been equally affected:
- Seven cities saw an increase of 100% or more during the first half of 2023 compared to 2022.
- Rochester, NY, had the largest spike, with vehicle thefts rising more than 300%.
- Conversely, St. Paul experienced a 41% drop in motor vehicle thefts, the largest decrease in the sample.
Understanding the Financial Impact
“Motor vehicle theft is a crime that costs Americans more than $8 billion per year,” says Ann Carlson, acting administrator of the NHTSA.
Historical Context
The trend wasn’t always this alarming. From January 2018 to March 2020, the average monthly motor vehicle theft rate fluctuated cyclically. It began to rise through April of 2022 and then increased substantially in the summer and fall of that year. By the end of 2022, there were 26.6% more motor vehicle thefts than in 2021, and 67.5% more than in 2019. There has also been a popular unsafe TikTok trend of content creators demonstrating how to break into certain makes and models of cars due to a technology issue.
Source: CCJ Mid Year Crime Trends
Risk Mitigation: Protecting Your Vehicle
The numbers are daunting, but there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen:
- Lock Your Vehicle: Always lock your vehicle, even when parked in your driveway.
- Invest in an Alarm System: A car alarm can deter would-be thieves.
- Avoid Leaving Valuables Inside: Remove or hide any valuable items that could attract thieves.
- Park in Well-Lit Areas: Thieves are less likely to target vehicles parked in bright, visible locations.
- Use Anti-Theft Devices: Steering wheel locks, brake locks, and tracking systems can be valuable deterrents
- Ensure You Have the Correct Auto Liability Coverage in Place – if you’re unsure if your auto policy is comprehensive enough, consider reaching out to a GMG Advisor for a review of your program.
Conclusion
The data paints a concerning picture of the auto theft landscape in America. The trend’s growth and widespread nature indicate that it’s more than a passing phenomenon. Fortunately, proactive measures can be taken to safeguard vehicles. Let’s use this knowledge to educate ourselves and our communities, taking the necessary steps to mitigate risks and protect our property. The time to act is now.
