US Vehicle Thefts Fall 21% in First Half of 2026

Vehicle thefts across the United States continued their nationwide decline in the first half of 2026, falling by 21% compared to the same period last year. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported a total of 268,415 vehicle thefts.

The decrease was widespread, with all 50 states experiencing year-over-year percentage reductions. The District of Columbia saw the largest percentage drop at 52%, yet still maintained the highest theft rate among analyzed jurisdictions at 181.94 thefts per 100,000 people.

California continued to have the highest overall number of stolen vehicles at the state level, with 57,821 vehicles reported stolen. Among major metropolitan areas, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim recorded the most thefts (21,540), while Chicago-Naperville-Elgin was the only area to see an increase, at 2%.

NICB urges consumers to remain vigilant, as the risk of vehicle theft is not eliminated. While organized crime groups have shifted away from traditional car thefts, motorists are advised to continue employing preventative measures, such as parking in well-lit areas, locking vehicles, and never leaving a car running unattended.