As part of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, the California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to take simple steps to protect their vehicles and avoid becoming victims of auto theft.
Vehicle thefts dropped in California in 2024, marking the state’s first year-over-year decline since 2019. Last year, 176,230 vehicles were reported stolen, down from nearly 203,000 in 2023—a drop of more than 13%. Almost 85% of those vehicles were eventually recovered.
“We are proud to see fewer vehicles being stolen across the state. The CHP and our law enforcement partners are working hard every day to stop these crimes, protect California’s communities, and hold criminals responsible,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
Targeted Enforcement in Key Areas
Backed by support from Governor Gavin Newsom, the CHP expanded its crime suppression operations in key regions with high auto theft rates, including Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino. These efforts, in partnership with local agencies, have disrupted auto theft rings, repeat offenders and organized crime groups.
As a result, several counties reported significant drops in vehicle thefts last year:
Alameda County: down 18% from 2023 (19,212 thefts) Kern County: down 28% from 2023 (6,210 thefts) San Bernardino County: down 11% from 2023 (10,116 thefts)Tips to Protect Your Vehicle
The CHP reminds Californians that vehicle theft is not just about losing a car—it can affect a person’s ability to work, attend school or care for family. Simple preventive measures can make a difference. Drivers are encouraged to:
Remove or hide valuables from view Lock doors and roll up all windows Park in well-lit, visible areas Use anti-theft tools such as steering wheel locks or alarms Install GPS tracking or recovery systems Never leave a vehicle running unattended—always turn it off and take the keysUtilizing multiple layers of security offers the most effective defense against theft.
The CHP remains committed to providing the highest level of safety, service, and security to all Californians.
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