Prevention efforts are making a substantial dent in vehicle thefts across the nation, according to newly released data by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
The non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and combating insurance crime found that vehicle thefts declined to the lowest levels in several decades, marking a 23% decrease from 2024.
This past year’s decline follows a significant 17% drop in vehicle thefts in 2024, the largest decrease in thefts in 40 years, the NICB reported.
A total of 659,880 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide last year.
“Coordinated prevention efforts by law enforcement, auto manufacturers, insurance companies, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau are having a major impact on vehicle thefts nationwide,” said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. “But with several hundreds of thousands of vehicles stolen in a single year, vigilance and prevention efforts remain key to protecting families, businesses, and communities nationwide.”
Several states reported substantial year-over-year decreases in vehicle theft numbers in 2025.
Washington experienced the largest percentage decrease of any state, with 39% less stolen vehicles in 2025 compared to 2024. Colorado and Puerto Rico followed closely, with 35% and 34% declines in vehicle thefts.
The investigation began in February 2025 when Jonathan Mercedes Silvestre was identified as the broker for the sale of stolen motor vehicles, according to officials. The investigation included physical and covert video surveillance, court-authorized wiretapping of cellular telephones, the analysis of electronic evidence, including cellphone communications and tracking information, and other investigative operations.
Police said that the investgfation revealed that Raulin Rodriguez and Jender Santos-Ulloa were Silvestre’s sources for stolen vehicles, while Josue Dejesus Gonzalez, Juan Tavarez Cabrera, and other individuals allegedly served to locate, acquire, and transport vehicles to be resold to a network of customers throughout New York and New Jersey.
The vehicles were stolen from various locations throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties in New Jersey, as well as New York, Kings, Bronx, Queens, and Westchester Counties in New York.
The investigation recovered more than 40 stolen vehicles, including 19 Honda CRVs; six Lexus IS 350s; five Toyota Highlanders; four Honda Accords; three Acura TLXs; two Lexus IS 500s and one Honda Civic.
“A stolen car can completely upend a family’s life, making it harder to get to school, work, and do essential errands,” said Attorney General James. “This investigation stopped a far-reaching criminal operation that sold dozens of stolen cars across New York and New Jersey.”
The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by plea.