While vehicle theft rates have been soaring since the start of the pandemic, recovery rates have also risen. More than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen in 2022 were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34 percent recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen.
“Approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, which adds up to more than one million vehicles stolen last year," said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. "Vehicle theft disrupts lives, causes financial hardship, and undermines community safety. Addressing this problem is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it requires a partnership between vehicle owners, community members, as well as federal, state, and local governments.”
Vehicle theft rates for sedans, including Honda, Hyundai and Kia, followed those of full-size pickups, with recovery rates for Hyundais and Kias between 87 and 95 percent. Social media trends were a likely factor in their high theft rankings in 2022.
“There are some commonsense steps to keep cars from being stolen. First, remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them out of sight. Next, lock the doors, roll the windows all the way up, and don't leave your keys or key fob in the car,” Glawe said.
2022 Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles Nationally
| Rank | Vehicle Make/Model | 2022 Total Thefts | Model Year Most Often Stolen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | 49,903 | 2004 |
| 2. | Ford Pickup (Full Size) | 48,175 | 2006 |
| 3. | Honda Civic | 27,113 | 2000 |
| 4. | Honda Accord | 27,089 | 1997 |
| 5. | Hyundai Sonata | 21,707 | 2013 |
| 6. | Hyundai Elantra | 19,602 | 2017 |
| 7. | Kia Optima | 18,221 | 2015 |
| 8. | Toyota Camry | 17,094 | 2021 |
| 9. | GMC Pickup (Full Size) | 16,622 | 2005 |
| 10. | Honda CR-V | 13,832 | 2001 |
To combat vehicle theft, the NICB suggests taking simple but effective precautions such as removing valuables from the vehicle and keeping them out of sight. Additionally, vehicle owners should always lock their doors, roll up the windows entirely, and avoid leaving their keys or key fobs inside the car. Installing anti-theft devices that disable the fuel system or ignition can further deter potential thieves.
Source: NICB
