Motor vehicle thefts rise over 40% in past four years: FBI data

The rate of motor vehicle theft incidents rose over 40% from 2019-2023
Rate of car thefts by juveniles rose while rate of thefts by adults dropped
Rate of reported carjackings declined from 7.5 to 6.6 per 100,000 people

Updated: Aug 18, 2024 / 04:40 PM CDT

State Farm, Progressive are refusing coverage for some Kia and Hyundai models in certain cities after a spike in thefts of these models. (Photo: File, Getty Images)

(NewsNation) — The nationwide rate of motor vehicle theft incidents rose over 40% from 2019 to 2023, according to newly released FBI crime data.

From 2019 to 2023, the nationwide rate of motor vehicle theft incidents rose from 199.4 incidents per 100,000 people to 283.5 incidents. The top three types of motor vehicles stolen in that time were automobiles (78.1%), trucks (12.2%) and other motor vehicles (8%).

Incidents of motor vehicle theft included in this report are from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Participation is voluntary for non-federal law enforcement agencies but mandatory for federal law enforcement agencies.

As more agencies began participating in NIBRS over the years, the population covered by NIBRS reporting agencies increased by 79.7%. In this analysis, the total number of incidents is reported alongside rates per 100,000 people to allow for comparison between years.

The rate of car thefts committed by juveniles increased in 2022 and 2023, while the rate of offenses committed by adults decreased during that time. In addition, between 2022 and 2023, the rate of reported carjacking incidents declined from 7.5 to 6.6 per 100,000 people.