Understanding US Auto Theft Trends 2024-2025

Auto theft continues to impact communities across the country, with losses exceeding $8 billion annually despite a notable decline in stolen vehicles last year. Whether you're a concerned driver or an industry professional, understanding these trends is essential to safeguarding your ride.

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Tamper-resistant UV Marking

States Most Impacted

States like California, Texas, and Florida continue to rank highest for theft volume, with California alone reporting over 208,000 stolen vehicles in 2024. Per capita, Washington, D.C. leads with an alarming rate of 842 thefts per 100,000 people, followed by California, New Mexico, and Colorado.

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Simple & Effective

Most Stolen Vehicles

Certain vehicle models are targeted more frequently due to design vulnerabilities or popularity. In 2024, the Hyundai Elantra topped the list with over 31,000 reported thefts, followed by the Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima. Many of these models lack electronic immobilizers or rely on older keyed ignition systems, making them more accessible to thieves.

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Unique ID codes

What's Fueling Demand

Multiple factors drive the surge in vehicle thefts, including limited anti-theft technology in older models, viral social media content teaching theft techniques, high demand for resale parts, and low recovery rates. These conditions create a persistent challenge for law enforcement and owners alike.

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How DotGuard Products Help

Marking car parts with unique identifiers—like VINs or traceable codes—acts as a powerful deterrent against auto theft. It makes stolen components harder to sell on the black market, easier for law enforcement to trace, and discourages thieves who rely on anonymity and quick resale. Just like serial numbers on electronics, visible part markings turn every piece into potential evidence.

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Protect. Track. Authenticate. Secure.

Explore advanced vehicle identification and theft prevention solutions. Our tamper-resistant codes, labels, and RFID technology help safeguard your inventory and provide peace of mind. Backed by a national registration system for fast recovery and ownership validation.

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