The most significant annual decline in automobile thefts in the United States was recorded in the last forty years, fueled primarily by enhanced anti-theft protocols adopted by auto manufacturers, especially Hyundai and Kia. These advancements came in response to the high rate of theft these brands suffered in 2021 and 2023, due in part to their lack of immobilizers that provide an easy grab for auto thieves, a trend popularized on social media with tags like ‘Kia Boys’.
Brands like Hyundai and Kia, whose vehicles were heavily victimized, found themselves among the top five for most stolen cars in the prior year. Despite this, the percentage of thefts involving these brands saw a substantial reduction of approximately 37.5%, as per report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Hyundai Motor America took significant steps to curb the theft of specific entry-level models, perceived to be more vulnerable due to their absence of immobilizers. They introduced complimentary software upgrades, ignition cylinder protectors and reimbursement programs, all offered to their customers at no extra cost.
Parent company of Hyundai, based in South Korea, also holds one-third stake in Kia. They share platforms and components, and claimed that about 68% of potentially at-risk vehicles have been equipped with the new anti-theft upgrade. The effort made by these automakers reflects their commitment to protect their customers’ vehicles.
NICB data showed an overall decrease in vehicle thefts across the US by 16.6%, equating to 850,708 units in 2024, down from the previous year. This statistic followed a record-setting year in 2023, where an alarming 1.02 million vehicles were stolen.
However, the decrease in auto theft can also be attributed to improved availability of new cars and auto parts, making the illicit act of car theft less appealing. Thieves in the market for vehicles and parts experienced a spike during the pandemic due to disruptions in the supply chain that subsequently inflated the cost of goods.
Art Wheaton, an eminent professor at Cornell University, opined that the temptation of stripping vehicles for parts has dwindled given the improved inventory situation. Car theft for the purpose of stripping and selling the parts saw a sharp increase during pandemic due to a efficient supply chain management.
In terms of geographical data, Washington state recorded a remarkable decline in vehicle theft, followed by noticeable reductions in Nevada, Nebraska, Oregon and Colorado in 2024. This indicates a positive trend in these states towards better vehicle security.
The presence of four Hyundai and Kia vehicle models in the top ten most stolen vehicles in 2024 still spotlights wider issues in the auto industry, said Wheaton. This revelation, alongside perennial targets such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Camry, and Honda Civic, suggests a need for additional security enhancements in the industry.
Despite the overall trend towards reduced vehicle theft, Washington, DC remained an outlier with the highest vehicle theft rate last year. The US capital reported 842 thefts for every 100,000 individuals, even though it also witnessed an 18% decline compared to the preceding year.
Following Washington, DC, California and New Mexico recorded high theft rates. Both regions reported around 460 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, demonstrating the need for consistent efforts to disrupt and deter auto theft operations across the country.
Alex Piquero, a distinguished professor of criminology at the University of Miami, commended the extensive efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt theft rings. This, alongside several other factors, contributed to the significantly reduced incidents of vehicle theft.
The Council on Criminal Justice, a national organization, also shed light on the situation. The decrease in thefts may be due to reduced black-market sales both domestically and internationally. This suggests that efforts to curb illicit trade are serving an essential role in preventing auto theft.
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