Report Ranks States, Cities with Most Auto Thefts

Auto thefts have increased by more than 25% in 10 states over the last decade, according to a new report from Quote Wizard.

Vehicle thefts are on the uptick nationwide, rising from almost 800,000 stolen cars in 2019 to nearly 875,000 in 2020. Some states have been particularly hard hit with Alaska, for example, seeing a staggering 98% change in auto thefts over the last decade. That state is followed by New Mexico with a 79% boost in thefts and Colorado with a 58% increase.

Car thefts in America’s largest cities have increased by 10% since 2020. According to the FBI, nearly 180,000 cars were stolen during the first nine months of 2021— 30,000 more cars than the 150,000 stolen over the same period in 2020.

When it comes to cities, Milwaukee led the way with a 208% increase in thefts, going from 2,851 stolen vehicles in 2019 to 8,770 in 2020. Two Texas cities came in second and third, with Round Rock experiencing a 161% increase in stolen vehicles followed by El Paso with a 148% boost. Others that rank among the top five for largest increases in stolen cars include Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a 74% increase and Arvada, Colorado, experiencing a 73% uptick.

The sharp increase in car thefts is even more dramatic when you compare it to each city’s population. Nearly 1,500 cars are stolen for every 100,000 people in Milwaukee, Denver, and Tacoma. The average nationwide is 307 stolen cars for every 100,000 residents.

Other cities that ranked among the top five for highest rate of stolen cars include Aurora, Colorado, with 1,035 thefts per 100,000 people and Westminster, Colorado, with 934.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet