Car thieves were far less successful last year, according to experts. The total number of vehicles stolen fell below the 1 million mark for the first time since 2021. In fact, the reduction ended a four-year run of increases — and Kia and Hyundai appear to be the reason.
The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, left, were the two most stolen vehicles in 2024 but a much lower rates than before.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released the figures for 2024 noting the total number of vehicles stolen dropped 16.6% to just over 850,000. That’s more than 150,000 fewer vehicles compared to 2023.
“The overall decrease in stolen vehicles nationwide is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between law enforcement, multi-jurisdictional auto theft task forces, governing bodies, vehicle manufacturers, and NICB,” said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB.
“Collectively, these groups used data and intelligence to develop actionable strategies to help local authorities investigate and prosecute offenders and to prevent vehicle theft from occurring in the first place.”
What changed
One of the biggest reasons that car thefts rose for four straight years was the ease with which Kia and Hyundai models could be taken. Until recent changes by the brands, their vehicles lacked immobilizers, which made them easy targets for stealing.
The Chevrolet Silverado was the third on the list of most stolen vehicles last year.
They were so easy to steal — one only needed a USB plug — stealing those brands became a rite of passage for gangs. The act of stealing them went viral on social media by the “Kia Boys” and others.
Hyundai Motor America instituted changes on many of its entry-level models that didn’t have immobilizers. The company used free software upgrades, ignition cylinder protectors and reimbursement programs to make the vehicles less desirable targets.
According to Reuters, the company says 68% of the vehicles most likely to be stolen have been updated with the new measures. As a result, thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles declined 37.5% last year.
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The numbers
Hyundai and Kia vehicles were the most stolen vehicles in 2021 and 2023 — and they occupy three of the top five spots in the most recent reports, including the top two spots. However, the numbers are down by twice as much as the overall decline.
Kia and Hyundai models were so easy to steal, and theft was so rampant, a documentary film featuring the Kia Boyz highlighted the issue.
Additionally, easier access to car parts and new vehicles lessened the demand for stolen vehicles in 2024, a result of the industry finally overcoming the issues that stemmed from the COVID pandemic.
The top five most stolen vehicles are the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord and Kia Optima.
Other details
Washington, Nevada, and Oregon led the nation with the largest decreases in vehicle thefts year over year. Maine experienced the nation’s only increase in vehicle thefts in 2024, increasing 2% over the year prior, according to the NICB.
The District of Columbia, despite an 18% decrease in total vehicle thefts, still experienced the nation’s highest theft rate with 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents — over three times the national average of 250.2 thefts per 100,000 residents. Colorado, on the other hand, broke a four-year trend of being the state with the highest vehicle theft rate.
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