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A recent analysis conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has revealed that the number of stolen vehicles in the United States exceeded one million in 2022, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. The monthly theft totals across the country consistently exceeded 75,000, contributing to a combined estimated value of the 1,001,967 reported thefts that totaled $8.9 billion.

The NICB analyzed data from the National Crime Information Center and found that more than 250,000 thefts were reported in the fourth quarter of 2022 alone. Additionally, the analysis also indicated that the country saw the highest number of vehicle thefts since 2008, with 1.05 million vehicles reported stolen that year.

To provide some historical context, in 2021, a total of 937,976 vehicles were reported stolen. Whereas in 2020, 888,011 vehicles were reported stolen, and in 2019, 801,023 auto thefts were reported. According to the NICB data, there has been a consistent rise in the number of vehicle thefts in recent years.

California and Texas led the nation with the most reported stolen vehicles in 2022, with Illinois having the largest increase of any top 10 state with thefts increasing by an estimated 35% between 2021 and 2022. Similarly, vehicle thefts increased by 31% in Washington state over the same period.

David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, expressed concern over the rising vehicle theft numbers and called for the reinvestment in local law enforcement, necessary resources for prosecution and community policing programs, and early intervention programs for juvenile offenders involved in vehicle thefts.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is a nonprofit organization focused on fighting insurance fraud and crime.

Information found on: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2023/03/10/315817.htm