Analysis of Motor Vehicle
Theft Statsistics

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"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 30.63% as compared to the base year of 1991. There were 14,765 thefts in 2006.

The average value of motor vehicle thefts in Virginia each year is
$102,609,910 (based on a five-year average).

There is a definite seasonality to the incidence of motor vehicle theft. July and August are the leading months for Motor Vehicle Theft, with close to 20% of reported thefts occurring in these 2 months.

On average, close to
60% 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.

Close to
85% of all motor vehicle thefts reported in Virginia are in three areas of the state: Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia and Richmond areas.

Source for above facts and figures: Crime In Virginia. Virginia Uniform Crime Reporting Program Department of State Police. 1988 - 2006 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.

CCC Information Services, Inc. 2005 Most Stolen Vehicle List
NICB 2005 and 2004 Motorcycle Thefts by State

More Auto Theft Statitics Related links
FBI Uniform Crime Reports
http://www.ncbuy.com/auto/stats_autotheft.html
http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/test4/
http://www.claimcoach.com/pdf/stolecarnews.pdf
http://www.auto-theft.info/Statistics.htm