Vehicle theft rates have risen steadily since 2019, and last year, more than 1 million vehicles were reported stolen, which accounted for an increase of about 1% nationwide. Vehicle thefts increased from 1,008,756 in 2022 to 1,020,729 in 2023, with California accounting for the highest number of vehicle thefts nationwide in 2023 with 208,668 vehicles reported stolen.

To combat this nationwide epidemic, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to identifying, investigating, preventing, and deterring insurance fraud and crime, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are raising awareness during National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month to promote education, and encourage collaboration between law enforcement and vehicle owners.

“Preventing vehicle theft shouldn’t just fall on law enforcement, because there are basic, common sense steps each of us can take to prevent this crime of opportunity,” said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. “It may sound simple, but a surprising number of vehicle thefts occur because owners forget to lock their doors or leave their keys inside. Taking a few seconds to ensure your vehicle is securely locked can significantly reduce its vulnerability to theft. Second, anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks, electronic immobilizers, and numerous aftermarket security systems can serve as effective deterrents against vehicle theft.”

“More than 1 million families a year have their vehicles stolen, and we all pay the price for vehicle theft through rising insurance premiums and law enforcement costs. There are simple steps we can all take to secure our vehicles, including never leaving a vehicle running unattended, and locking your car every time. National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month reminds us to act all year to prevent these crimes of opportunity and safeguard one of the most expensive purchases that families will ever make,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said.