From Motor1 · Adrian Padeanu · · 1m 30s
Car Thefts Drop 21% Across All 50 States
Vehicle thefts fell 21% nationwide in first half of 2026, with every state recording a year-over-year decline.
In brief
Vehicle thefts fell 21% nationwide in first half of 2026, with every state recording a year-over-year decline. Vehicle thefts dropped 21% in the first half of 2026 across all 50 states, continuing a nationwide decline that began after pandemic-era peaks. Originally reported by Motor1.
National Theft Decline
Vehicle thefts fell 21 percent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
All 50 States Decline
Every state recorded a year-over-year decrease in vehicle thefts during the first half of 2026.
Total Stolen Vehicles
A total of 268,415 vehicles were reported stolen during the first six months of 2026, or roughly one vehicle every minute.
State Declines
The District of Columbia posted the biggest decline with thefts down 52 percent from the first half of 2025.
Tennessee and Vermont
Tennessee recorded a 42 percent drop in vehicle thefts, while Vermont and New Hampshire saw declines of 37 percent and 35 percent, respectively.
California's Numbers
California reported 57,821 stolen vehicles during the first half of 2026, the highest total among all states.
Chicago's Increase
Chicago recorded a 2 percent increase in vehicle thefts compared with the first half of 2025, the only major metro area with higher thefts.
2025 Theft Rankings
The Hyundai Elantra was America's most-stolen vehicle in 2025 with 21,732 reported thefts, followed by the Honda Accord with 17,797.
The essence
Vehicle thefts dropped 21% in the first half of 2026 across all 50 states, continuing a nationwide decline that began after pandemic-era peaks.
