FBI Releases Motor Vehicle Theft Report for 2019—2023

4 Nov 2024

Vehicle rates have risen since 2019, so it’s natural for you to be a bit worried about the security of your vehicle. Maybe you know someone who’s had their car stolen, or maybe you’ve even had it stolen yourself. If you’re concerned about motor vehicle theft, you should take some time to read this article and go over the data.

In August of this year, the FBI released its Motor Vehicle Theft Report providing data from 2019-2023. You can access this data on their crime data explorer. This report details data related to motor vehicle thefts and carjacking trends.

Motor Vehicle Theft Statistics

The nationwide rate of motor vehicle theft increased from 199.4 incidents per 100,000 people to 283.5 incidents. However, rates in the midwest and west declined between 2022 and 2023, down 4.8 and 7.3, respectively. The FBI also reported a slight decline in carjackings, 7.5-6.6 from 2022 to 2023.

Automobiles were by far the most commonly stolen vehicle, accounting for 78.1% of the total. Trucks accounted for 12.2% and other vehicles at 8%.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) report, vehicle thefts reached an all-time high last year at 1,020,729 incidents. While roughly 11% of the United States population lives in California, roughly 20%, or 208,668, of motor vehicle thefts occurred there in 2023.

Also, in 2022 and 2023 rates of motor vehicle thefts increased among minors and decreased among adults. While the FBI report doesn’t mention this, the increased theft among juveniles could be linked to the “Kia Boyz” movement that went viral where underage individuals would record themselves stealing cars and post it online. Because of this epidemic, some states saw an increase in motor vehicle thefts, particularly among juveniles. For example, Connecticut saw a 33% increase in auto theft in 2023.

How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe

If you have a car, it’s easy to be concerned by this data. If you want to learn more, you should research the rates of motor vehicle thefts in your state or county.

Steps to keep your vehicle safe include:

Park your vehicle in a locked garage or well-lit area.
Always lock your car and keep your keys in a safe place.
When parking your car at a stop (or at home), keep it in a place that is easily visible.
Use a GPS tracker that can be hidden in the vehicle. If your vehicle does get stolen, you can easily locate it and turn the location over to the police for fast and reliable recovery.

Looking for a GPS Tracking device for your car? Contact a professional at LiveView GPS today for expert advice on which GPS car tracking device is right for you. 1-888-544-0494

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.