Nearly 25% fewer cars were stolen in the United States in 2025 compared to one year earlier, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
That’s almost 660,000 vehicle thefts compared with the 850,000 in 2024, according to the report. However, the decline is a “clear signal of the end of the pandemic-fueled surge in vehicle thefts” according to the NICB. The latest decrease follows 17% drop in vehicle thefts in 2024, which at the time was the largest drop in thefts in 40 years.
Motor vehicle theft is the third most common property crime. Some vehicles are more popular among thieves than others.
How did New York rank among vehicle thefts?
“New York experienced a significant decline in vehicle thefts in 2025, with a 15% reduction in reported instances of the crime,” said NICB specialist Nicholas Zeitlinger.
According to the NICB, the New York City area (which includes Newark and Jersey City among communities in northern New Jersey) ranked second in metropolitan areas nationwide with the most vehicle thefts in 2025. The NYC area has 27,138 thefts. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim in California topped the list with 53,911 vehicle thefts.
New York state ranked fifth nationwide among the top states by vehicle theft with 24,206 thefts within the Empire State. Again, California topped the list with 136,988 thefts in 2025, followed by Texas and Illinois with 75,269 vehicle thefts and 28,269 vehicle thefts respectively.
How did metro regions within New York rank?
Within New York state, these are the top five metropolitan areas with car thefts. The number of thefts deceased in all five areas between 2024 and 2025, ranging from a 37% drop in Syracuse to an 11% dip in NYC.
Most stolen vehicles in U.S.
According to NICB data, the most stolen vehicle nationwide was the Hyundai Elantra. Here’s the 2025 list for the five most stolen vehicles in the United States:
Most stolen vehicles in New York
The most stolen vehicle in New York, the Honda CR-V, landed ninth on the nationwide list.
The most stolen vehicles in New York, according to NICB data, in 2025, were:
How to prevent your car from being stolen in New York
Thanks to modern technology, there are several ways to deter or prevent auto theft entirely. Some vehicles come standard with anti-theft systems and tech like engine immobilizers. A vehicle owner can also purchase aftermarket devices and tech to add to a vehicle, such as a tracking device.
Types of anti-theft systems:
Though anti-theft systems like a steering wheel lock may seem antiquated, this type of system is one way to ensure that no one can operate your vehicle using your steering wheel without the key to the lock. You can use Apple AirTags and other tracking devices/apps to keep tabs on your vehicle at all times. Geico also recommends keeping your vehicle title outside the vehicle in the event that it is stolen. Anti-theft systems may not seem like a necessity, but they can make a huge difference in preventing vehicle theft. They’re especially recommended if you don’t have a way to surveil your vehicle when it’s parked near your home.
What to do if your car is stolen
The quicker you report your car stolen, the better your chances are of recovering it, according to AAA.com. Roughly 80% of stolen vehicles are recovered within the first two days of the theft. So, if your car is stolen in New York, the first move you should make is to report the theft to the authorities. After contacting law enforcement, contact your auto insurance provider. If you have comprehensive insurance, the theft may be covered by your policy.
Becoming the victim of a car theft is a stressful experience, but there are ways to deter theft and steps to follow if your vehicle is stolen. Anti-theft technology may have evolved over the years, but so have car thieves. Remain vigilant and prepared to prevent auto theft.
Includes reporting by the USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Most stolen cars in NY revealed: See if your vehicle made the list
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
