The Rise of Vehicle Theft and Carjackings In North America (2023)

To understand the gravity of the situation, let's begin with the numbers. Did you know that a motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the U.S., as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)? The nation saw a steady increase in thefts this year, of around 25% in from 2019 to 2022, with the total number of annual thefts breaking 1 million in 2022. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), those numbers didn’t show signs of decreasing in 2023, as nearly 500,000 vehicles were stolen in the first six months of this year alone.

Vehicle theft rates rose sharply in California, Texas, Washington, Florida, and Colorado, accounting for 44% of all vehicles stolen in 2022. 

Similarly, car theft rates in Canada have progressively increased, and based on latest research, a car is stolen every five minutes in the country. Équité Association, a not-for-profit that works on reducing insurance fraud, recently released its report on how often stolen vehicles are recovered, with staggering finginds. Quebec placed first, with a low recovery rate of 37%. In Atlantic Canada, they were able to accomplish a far better recovery rate of 67%, however the bulk of them were discovered only after they had been burnt, a method used by thieves to destroy physical evidence left behind after their crimes. Western Canada, which includes Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, has the highest rate at 77%.

According to data provided by the III (Insurance Information Institute), certain vehicle makes and models are more vulnerable to carjackings than others. In 2022, the following vehicles ranked among the most stolen models: the 2004 Chevrolet Pickup, with a staggering 49,903 reported thefts, followed closely by the 2006 Ford pickup with 48,175 thefts. The 2000 Honda Civic and the 1997 Honda Accord were also popular targets, both in the 27,000 range, respectively. Other frequently stolen models included the 2013 Hyundai Sonata (21,707 thefts), the 2017 Hyundai Elantra (19,602 thefts), and the 2015 Kia Optima (18,221 thefts).

Meanwhile, in Canada, the Honda CR-V remains the most stolen car. According to Équité, in 2022, the popular small SUV went missing 5,620 times. After that, the Dodge RAM 1500 was the second most popular victim of motor vehicle theft for auto thieves. The Ford F150 finished third, followed by the Lexus RX Series in fourth and the Toyota Highlander in fifth.

Moreover, there are reports that Kia and Hyundai cars not fitted with new security measures are particularly vulnerable to theft. According to the National Public Radio’s (NPR) website, more than eight million Hyundais and Kias from model years 2011 to 2022 can be hotwired using a USB cable and do not have an engine immobilizer, a standard anti-theft mechanism that prevents the engine from starting unless the vehicle's key is nearby. In 2021 and 2022, a viral TikTok trend called the Kia Challenge showed users how to break the steering column of Kias and Hyundais using a USB cable to start the ignition. It's so simple that even juveniles have started doing it in amercan cities like Baltimore.

Over a million vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2022, totalling $8 billion in assets. According to the NHTSA, over half of stolen automobiles were taken due to driver error (such as leaving the keys in the car), with passenger cars accounting for 74% of all stolen vehicles.

While advances in technology have not only rendered cars more tempting for theft, but they have also brought measures to resist it. Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among automobile owners who want to secure their vehicles and themselves from theft and damage. These devices, mounted on the dashboard or windshield, capture footage of the vehicle's surroundings, making them an invaluable tool for theft prevention and evidence collecting, even when you’re away.

Dash cams, particularly Cloud dash cams like BlackVue and Thinkware, are outfitted with advanced monitoring systems that can notify owners via smartphone apps if there is suspicious activity, such as unauthorized entry or movement detected while the vehicle is parked. These real-time notifications allow for quick action, potentially preventing theft attempts before they escalate. Our most recommended dash cam is the BlackVue DR770X Box, which is best for discreet installations and maximum security, through a tamper-proof box unit that can be stowed away. Read our blog on how it can help prevent car theft here.

Taking straightforward precautions can also considerably lessen the danger of car theft. Parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas helps dissuade robbers who are seeking easy targets. Whenever feasible, park in secure or monitored parking lots with surveillance cameras. Before leaving your vehicle unattended, always lock it and close all windows, even if just for a brief amount of time. Never leave valuables in plain sight inside the car, as they can attract opportunistic criminals. You should also consider installing a car alarm system that emits loud noises and flashing lights in response to unwanted entrance or tampering as a deterrent.

In light of the rising car theft crisis, investing in a dash cam and smart security systems is no longer a luxury, but a must. Dash cams add a layer of protection by recording video evidence that can help law enforcement identify and apprehend thieves. Furthermore, the existence of a visible dash cam can serve as a deterrent, discouraging potential criminals from targeting your vehicle in the first place. Let them know they are being watched!

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