Motor-vehicle theft is a significant issue in the United States, classified by the FBI as one of eight primary index crimes. In 2022, a vehicle was stolen every 30 seconds, with over 1 million reported thefts. The theft rates vary widely across states, with some experiencing incidents at rates over 730 per 100,000 people. While often opportunistic, many automobile thefts are perpetrated by professional thieves who aim to resell stolen cars or parts, capitalizing on the high average vehicle transaction price of nearly $50,000 recorded in late 2024.
Motor-vehicle theft is one of the most frequently reported index crimes in the United States, occurring every 30 seconds on average in 2022.
States with the highest motor vehicle theft rates show significant variation, with incidents ranging from about 55 to over 730 thefts per 100,000 population.
Car thefts are often a crime of opportunity; however, many offenders are professionals engaged in reselling stolen vehicles or parts for profit.
In December 2024, the average transaction price for a new vehicle reached nearly $50,000, making car theft a lucrative crime.
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