The Worst Cities in the US for Car Theft
The number of cars being stolen has dropped significantly since they peaked at nearly 1.7 million vehicles in 1991, thanks to the advancements made in vehicle manufacturing and to the improvements done regarding anti-theft technologies. However, more than 765,000 are still being stolen each year. From these stolen vehicles, the authorities manage to recover only 40 percent. Visit our website and compare online car insurance quotes for free.
Even if the number of car thefts is decreasing, you should never let your guard down. Avoid doing things that are extremely stupid like leaving your keys in the car with the engine running. To stop car thieves, NCIB recommends to follow these common-sense steps: take the keys out of the ignition, lock doors, and close windows, and park in well-lit areas.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau “Hot Spots” report, the following are the worst cities in the US for car theft:
- St. Joseph, Missouri. In the St. Joseph metro area, cars are stolen at an annual rate of 532 thefts for every 100,000 residents. Only 674 car thefts were reported locally in 2018. Even though this area has a small number of thefts, due to a relatively small population the result is a high theft rate.
- Vallejo-Fairfield, California. Jumping from the No.26 spot in the previous year up to No. 9, in the Vallejo-Fairfield metro area cars are stolen at an annual rate of 538 thefts for every 100,000 residents. 2,404 car thefts were reported in 2018. If you happen to live in this area, then installing a very loud alarm to your vehicle might deter most thieves.
- Wichita, Kansas. In the largest city of Kansas, Wichita, thieves managed to steal 550 vehicles to every 100,000 residents. A total of 3,547 cars were stolen last year.
- Stockton-Lodi, California. Previously on No.8 in the last year edition, in the Stockton-Lodi metro area, cars got stolen at an annual rate of 569 thefts for every 100,000 residents. 4287 vehicles got stolen in the last year.
- Redding, California. For every 100,000 residents, 575 cars got stolen in the city of Redding. For the year 2018, the residents of Redding reported 1,037 car thefts. One curious thing about the state of California is the fact that half of the top 10 worst cities for auto theft are located in this state.
- Modesto, California. With a reported number of 623 car thefts for every 100,000 residents, Modesto is the fifth worst city in the US for auto theft. The people of Modesto have reported 3,428 stolen vehicles in the previous year.
- Pueblo, Colorado. Located south of Denver, the city of Pueblo has reported 701 car thefts for every 100,000 residents. The citizens of Pueblo reported a total of 1,175 of stolen vehicles in the year 2018.
- Bakersfield, California. Taking the bronze on the list of worst cities for car theft is Bakersfield. In the last Californian city from this list, cars are stolen at an annual rate of 752 thefts for every 100,000 residents. A total of 6,748 car thefts were reported locally. The car thieves in California are more likely to steal Honda Civic vehicles.
- Anchorage, Alaska. For the second year in the row, Anchorage is the second worst city for car theft. In this area, vehicles are stolen at an annual rate of 773 thefts for every 100,000 residents. A number of 3,087 car thefts took place in 2018. Anchorage has a spectacular evolution in car thefts. In 2016, Anchorage was ranked at No. 47 on car theft. The police say the increase in car thefts are fueled by drug abuse problems.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico. For the third year in a row, Albuquerque takes the top spot on the list of worst cities for car theft. 780 car thefts per 100,000 residents are reported annually in Albuquerque. 7,146 car thefts took place in 2018.
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