With July designated National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, AAA Northeast is reminding drivers to take preventive measures against vehicle theft, especially since summertime is primetime for this crime.
There is some good news: Vehicle thefts in the U.S. declined 23% in 2025 from 2024 to the lowest levels in several decades, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). There were 659,880 vehicles reported stolen nationwide last year, a steep drop from the historic peak of 1,020,729 thefts in 2023.
Despite the decrease, the NICB reports approximately one vehicle is still stolen every 48 seconds in the U.S., and the risk is higher in some urban areas.
“While the significant decrease in vehicle thefts is good news for drivers, thousands of vehicle owners across the Northeast are still dealing with this crime every year,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Especially during the summer, putting the proper protections in place can help deter thieves from taking off with your car or valuable items inside.”
AAA Northeast recommends the following to prevent vehicle thefts:
- Close windows and lock your car when parked — even at home.
- Always remove the keys and any valuables.
- Store key fobs as far away from your car as possible and consider putting them in a metal container to prevent a signal boosting attack, when thieves use an antenna to hack the key fob.
- Park in areas that are well-lit, visible to you or protected by security cameras.
- Never leave your car running unattended.
- If your car isn’t equipped with an anti-theft system, consider purchasing security devices for further protection, including:
- Vehicle immobilizers
- Steering wheel locks
- Brake pedal locks
- Theft-deterrent decals
- Audible alarms
- GPS trackers
Immediately reporting a stolen vehicle in the first 24 hours increases your chance of recovery by 34%, according to the NICB. Have information ready including your vehicle’s make and model, license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). Once you’ve filed a police report, notify your insurance company about the theft. Comprehensive insurance is needed to be covered for theft, so vehicle owners should review their auto insurance policies to ensure they have the coverage desired for each vehicle on their policy.
State Data
In Connecticut, there were 6,359 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2025, down nearly 28% from 2024, according to Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Theft from motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicle parts also saw significant decreases. The latest FBI data shows that 36% of vehicle thefts in Connecticut took place from May to August.
The greater New York metropolitan area had the second highest number of vehicle thefts among the nation’s metros with 27,138 thefts. The latest FBI data shows that more than 37% of vehicle thefts in New York took place from May to August.
In New Jersey, there were over 14,600 motor vehicle thefts reported in 2025, according to the latest FBI data. Roughly 35% of those thefts took place from May to August.
In Massachusetts, there were 6,491 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2025, a 14% decrease from the 7,540 reported in 2024, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The latest FBI data shows that nearly 40 percent of vehicle thefts in Massachusetts took place from May to August.
In Rhode Island, there were over 1,300 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2025, and over 35% of those thefts took place from May to August, according to the latest FBI data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is a vehicle stolen in the United States?
Approximately one vehicle is stolen every 48 seconds in the United States, according to the NICB.
Are vehicle thefts decreasing?
Yes. NICB data shows vehicle thefts nationwide declined by 23% from 2024 to 2025, falling to 659,880 reported thefts from a historic high of more than one million thefts in 2023.
Which areas in the Northeast experience the highest levels of vehicle theft?
The greater New York metropolitan area recorded 27,138 vehicle thefts, one of the highest totals among U.S. metro areas.
What are the most effective ways to prevent vehicle theft?
AAA Northeast recommends locking vehicles, closing windows, removing keys and valuables, storing key fobs securely away from vehicles, parking in well-lit areas, and using anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, immobilizers, alarms, or GPS trackers.
What is a signal boosting attack?
A signal boosting attack occurs when thieves use electronic devices to amplify the signal from a nearby key fob, allowing them to unlock or start a vehicle. Storing key fobs away from vehicles and in metal containers or signal-blocking pouches can help reduce this risk.
What should I do if my vehicle is stolen?
Contact law enforcement immediately and provide your vehicle’s make, model, license plate number, and VIN. After filing a police report, notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Does auto insurance cover vehicle theft?
Vehicle theft is generally covered under comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Vehicle owners should review their policies and speak with their insurance provider to confirm coverage for each vehicle on their policy.
Last updated on August 5, 2026 by AAA Staff
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
