California car thefts decline for two consecutive years following a previous surge, with insights from the California Highway Patrol on the reasons behind this trend.
Vehicle thefts in California have experienced a significant decline for the second consecutive year in 2025, as reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The total number of vehicles stolen across the state reached 133,372, marking a 24.3% decrease from 176,230 in 2024. This figure follows a prior decrease of 13.1% from the previous year, indicating a notable downward trend in vehicle thefts over the last two years.
The decline comes after a sharp increase in vehicle thefts that began in 2020. Following a low of 151,244 thefts in 2019, the numbers rose dramatically to a peak of 202,893 in 2023. The 2025 figures are approximately 34% lower than that peak, suggesting efforts to combat this issue are starting to take effect.
Los Angeles County reported the highest number of vehicle thefts in 2025, with a total of 47,191 incidents, reflecting an 18.6% decrease from the previous year. Other counties, including Orange County with 5,471 incidents (a 24.3% decrease), Riverside County with 6,012 thefts (down 21.4%), and San Bernardino County with 7,759 thefts (a reduction of 23.3%), also recorded fewer vehicle thefts compared to 2024.
Officials from the CHP attribute these declines to several factors, including enhanced crime-suppression operations that have broadened enforcement efforts, assisting in stolen-vehicle recoveries while targeting other crimes. Specific regional auto-theft task forces focus on dismantling larger operations, such as chop shops and organized theft rings.
The nature of vehicle theft has also evolved, with officers across regions encountering various fraudulent activities related to vehicle purchases and dealerships. Instances of thieves intercepting legitimate deliveries or employing VIN-switching schemes have been reported. Additionally, some thieves steal vehicle keys from dealerships or create counterfeit key fobs to unlawfully obtain vehicles.
Statewide, the most commonly stolen vehicles include the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, 2015 Kia Optima, and 2013 Hyundai Sonata, with older models of Chevrolet Silverados dominating the personal truck and SUV category. The CHP notes that older vehicles lacking modern security features remain prevalent targets for theft.
Authorities encourage vehicle owners to take preventive measures, including locking cars, avoiding leaving vehicles running unattended, and parking in well-lit areas. Such practices can deter opportunistic theft, making it more challenging for criminals to succeed. As law enforcement continues to evolve its strategies, the sizable reduction in thefts in California offers hope that these trends can be sustained in the future.
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