Illinois 5th Worst in U.S. for Car Thefts, 3 Models Stolen Most

In a staggering rise, the number of cars stolen annually in the United States has eclipsed the one million mark.

Car Theft Crisis: Over One Million Vehicles Stolen in the U.S. in 2023

According to a new study from MarketWatch, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported a record 1,020,729 thefts in 2023, which shows an alarming trend, that has seen car thefts increase by over 41% since 2019.

California continues to lead the nation with a staggering 208,668 vehicles reported stolen in 2023. Following closely are Texas with 115,013 and Florida with 46,213 thefts.

Illinois ranks #5 for most auto thefts nationwide, with 41,528 thefts in 2023.

Additionally, densely populated areas like Washington, D.C., and Maryland experienced some of the most dramatic increases, with theft rates soaring by 64% and 63%, respectively.

Chicagoland had the 3rd most car thefts in the U.S. last year with 36,272, according to the MarketWatch study.

The Impact of Popular Models on Theft Rates

A troubling insight from the NICB reveals that specific car models are more susceptible to theft, according to the press release from MarketWatch.

In 2023, Hyundai and Kia vehicles accounted for six of the top ten stolen models, totaling 174,421 vehicles. The vulnerability of these brands, particularly due to a lack of engine immobilizers in certain models from 2011 to 2022, has led to widespread thefts.

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In response, both manufacturers have released free theft deterrent software and partnered with law enforcement to provide steering wheel locks to vehicle owners.

Expert Insights and Preventative Measures

Experts like Dr. Jeffery Walsh, a professor of criminal justice at Illinois State University, underscore the allure of vehicles to thieves.

Cars are not just valuable; they offer mobility and are often easy to convert to cash. -Dr. Jeffrey Walsh

The financial impact is staggering, costing Americans approximately $8 billion annually. To mitigate the risk, drivers are advised to choose safe parking spots, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, and ensure all doors are locked and windows rolled up before walking away.

A Call for Vigilance Amid Rising Theft Rates

With the frequency of car thefts reaching one every 31 seconds in 2023, drivers must remain vigilant.

Simple precautions—like reporting suspicious activity and parking in well-lit areas—can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft.

As the risk of theft typically escalates, taking a few extra moments to secure your vehicle can make all the difference in protecting your investment.

CLICK HERE to see the entire study from MarketWatch.

LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving

To find out more about how has the price of gas changed throughout the years, Stacker ran the numbers on the cost of a gallon of gasoline for each of the last 84 years. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in April 2020), we analyzed the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline from 1976 to 2020 along with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for unleaded regular gasoline from 1937 to 1976, including the absolute and inflation-adjusted prices for each year.

Read on to explore the cost of gas over time and rediscover just how much a gallon was when you first started driving.

Gallery Credit: Sophia Crisafulli