Vehicle Theft Stats

In 2004, there were an estimated 1,237,114 motor vehicle thefts in the Nation. The number of motor vehicles estimated to have been stolen in 2004 decreased 1.9 percent from the 2003 estimate, increased 6.6 percent from the 2000 estimate, and decreased 16.0 percent from the 1995 estimate.

With 2004 as the base year, the rate of motor vehicle thefts was estimated at 421.3 motor vehicles stolen per 100,000 inhabitants. The 2004 rate decreased 2.9 percent from the 2003 estimate, increased 2.2 percent from the 2000 estimate, and decreased 24.5 percent from the 1995 estimate.

The combined value of motor vehicles stolen nationwide in 2004 at approximately $7.6 billion. Automobiles were, by far, the most frequently stolen vehicle type–accounting for 72.8 percent of all vehicles stolen. Trucks and buses accounted for 18.4 percent, and other vehicles accounted for 8.7 percent.   By type of vehicle, automobiles were stolen at a rate of 320.5 cars per 100,000 in population in 2004. Trucks and buses were stolen at a rate of 81.1 vehicles per 100,000 in population, and other types of vehicles were stolen at a rate of 38.4 vehicles per 100,000 people. Nationwide, 16.4 percent of all clearances of motor vehicle thefts in 2004 involved juveniles only. In cities collectively, 16.7 percent of all clearances of motor vehicle thefts involved only persons under 18 years of age.