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Auto Theft Facts and Figures
"Motor vehicle theft is the unlawful taking or stealing of a motor vehicle, including attempts. Statistics compiled by the Uniform Crime Reporting Section of the Virginia Department of State Police "include all thefts of motor driven vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.," in this category.
Motor vehicle thefts in Virginia increased from 15,022 offenses in 1987 to 21,284 offenses in 1991, a 42% increase. Since HEAT began in 1992, motor vehicle thefts have decreased by a little over 52% as compared to the base year of 1991. There were 10,394 thefts in 2010.
The average value of motor vehicle thefts in Virginia each year is $84,291,901(based on a five-year average from 2006-2010).There is a definite seasonality to the incidence of motor vehicle theft. May through August are the leading months for Motor Vehicle Theft, with close to 37% of reported thefts occurring in these four months.
On average, close to 43% of the persons arrested for motor vehicle theft in Virginia are 20 years or younger.
More than half of the motor vehicle thefts reported in Virginia occur in independent cities.
Over 76% of all motor vehicle thefts reported in Virginia are in three areas of the state: Tidewater, Northern Virginia and Richmond areas.
Source for above facts and figures: Crime In Virginia. Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting Program Department of State Police. 1988 - 2010 editions.
Beyond the Statistics
Many people have little concern about auto theft since they consider it a non-violent crime. In fact, auto theft can result in death and injury: for example, a car speeds away after being stolen and injures or kills someone or someone is injured or killed when his or her vehicle is carjacked.
2005-2010 Regional Auto Theft StatisticsNICB 2009 Vehicle Thefts by StateMore Auto Theft Statistics Related links
FBI Uniform Crime Reportshttp://www.ncbuy.com/auto/stats_autotheft.htmlhttp://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/test4/http://www.auto-theft.info/Statistics.htm