Newly released data shows that all 50 states have recorded year-over-year percentage decreases in vehicle thefts during the first half of 2026, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

The decline represents a broader downward trend in vehicle thefts seen within the past few years.

A total of 268,415 vehicle thefts were reported to law enforcement during the first six months of 2026, the NICB reported.

The United States experienced a vehicle theft rate of approximately 77.81 thefts per 100,000 people during the first two quarters of the year.

“Vehicle thefts continue to decrease across the country, and it’s encouraging to see that every state experienced a decline,” said NICB Chief Operating Officer Tim Slater. “While there are many factors contributing to this, these results demonstrate what can be accomplished through sustained collaboration among law enforcement, insurers, auto theft prevention authorities and other partners. That being said, with more than a quarter-million vehicles stolen in just six months, continued investment in these partnerships, as well as prevention and public awareness, is paramount to sustaining positive progress.”

The District of Columbia recorded the largest percentage decline in vehicle thefts during the first half of the year, with thefts falling 52% compared with the first half of 2025. Despite the steep drop, the nation’s capital continued to have the highest theft rate among states and jurisdictions analyzed, at 181.94 thefts per 100,000 people.

California continued to record the highest overall number of stolen vehicles at the state level, with 57,821 vehicles reported stolen during the first half of 2026.

Top States by Percentage Decreases in Thefts

Vehicle thefts remained concentrated in several of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California metro area recorded the highest number of vehicle thefts during the first half of 2026, with 21,540 vehicles stolen.

Among the 10 areas with the highest number of vehicle thefts, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin was the only metropolitan area to experience a year-over-year increase, with thefts rising 2% compared with the first half of 2025.

The Bakersfield-Delano, California, metro area recorded the highest vehicle theft rate in the country, at 223.28 thefts per 100,000 people, nearly triple the national rate of 77.81.

Top 10 Metropolitan Areas by Total Vehicle Thefts