Auto theft is a very real, ongoing problem in Colorado; one that is a top priority for the Colorado State Patrol. They report that there are thousands of vehicles stolen every year across the state, with the majority of motor vehicle thefts routinely committed in the Denver Metro area, which includes the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson.

In a ranking by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Colorado is number four nationwide for auto thefts per capita at 430 per 100,000 people, but the practice is on a downward trend, with 2024 data showing a 25% reduction in theft compared to 2023, and current rates 41% lower than in 2022, when the most vehicle thefts by volume were recorded. This year is shaping up to have a 20% decrease in vehicle theft. To see how 2025 is shaping up, visit Colorado Autho Theft Prevention Authority’s Live Data Feed that provides the latest data and crime statistics related to motor vehicle thefts.

Passenger cars were the most targeted vehicle in Colorado in 2024, followed by SUVs, pickup trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and vans. In Colorado, the term “motor vehicles” is broad in its definition, encompassing ATVs, automobiles, buses, motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles and SUVs.

The good news is that stolen vehicle recovery in Colorado regularly surpasses the national average. In 2024, the recovery rate — 82% — marked the lowest point in five years! The most likely vehicles recovered are motorcycles and trailers.

“Auto theft is often seen as a low impact property crime, but in reality it is actually far from that. Auto theft is a major driver of all crime. Nearly every bank robbery, burglary, and other serious crime types start with a stolen car. Reducing auto theft saves Colorado money but also makes Colorado drastically safer,” said Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Public Outreach Coordinator Cale Gould. “Help us make Colorado safer by taking basic measures to secure your car, and learning what else can be done to prevent auto theft at lockdownyourcar.org.

Go to the source!

The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority is, as its name implies, the source for live data, historical information, news segments and public information concerning auto theft, to raise awareness about the crime, thereby increasing citizens’ safety and security.

The mission of the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, a division of the CSP, is “to reduce vehicle theft and insurance fraud through a statewide cooperative effort of generating funds to support law enforcement prosecution and public awareness through a partnership between industry and state government.”

The penalty for stealing a car in Colorado is tied to the behavior of the offender, rather than the value of the stolen car. Senate Bill 97, which was passed in 2023, classified all car thefts as a felony, with repeat offenders facing more serious charges. Note: “joyriding” — the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — is still a misdemeanor.

According to state patrol records, the most stolen vehicles in 2024 were:

1. Chevy Silverado, with 1,071 thefts
2. Hyundai Elantra (#1 in 2023)
3. Hyundai Sonata
4. GMC Sierra (new to the list)
5. Ford F-250
6. Ford F-150
7. Kia Optima
8. Kia Soul
9. Honda Civic
10. Kia Sportage

The most popular model years being stolen? The 2006 Silverado, 2013 Elantra, 2004 Sonata, 2005 Sierra, 2004 F-250, 2018 F-150, 2015 Optima, 2016 Soul, 2000 Civic and 2017 Sportage.

One in every five (20%) of cars stolen in Colorado this year have been a Hyundai or Kia. Owners of this make are encouraged to consider aftermarket theft devices. Of the 24,575 vehicles stolen in Colorado in 2024, Hyundai and Kia accounted for 4,560 of them (19%).

The top cities for auto theft in Colorado in 2024:

1. Denver
2. Aurora
3. Colorado Springs
4. Pueblo
5. Lakewood
6. Westminster
7. Thornton
8. Greeley
9. Englewood
10. Commerce City

Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” You can make your vehicle less of a target for thieves by:

• Always having your car doors locked, while driving and when parked.
• Not leaving your car running unattended. This is illegal in Colorado, unless your car is equipped with a remote starter system and your keyless fob is far enough away from the vehicle, rendering it immobile.
• Never leaving your keys — the ones you use every day, or the spare set — in the car. Take them with you.
• Keeping valuables hidden from view — it the glovebox, in the trunk or hatch. Loss of personal property, from cell phone to laptop and more, may not be covered by auto insurance.
• Making it standard operating procedure to park in well-lit areas or in a garage, secure parking lot or area that is constantly supervised. Half of all reported theft cases occur on roads, streets or sidewalks, according to the National Highway Safety Administration, with most vehicle thefts occurring during the night, with 12-1 a.m. having the highest criminal activity, and the time period between 4 a.m. and 3:50 p.m. seeing the fewest reported thefts. Office buildings, hotels and higher education campuses also pose a theft risk for car owners.
• Never rolling down the windows or opening the car doors if you are approached while in your vehicle.
• Not storing firearms in your car; the weapon could be used in additional criminal activity.
• Checking the VIN# of any potential used vehicle purchase to ensure it has not been stolen.
• Keeping the part of your car registration without your home address on it in the glovebox.
• Having an audible car alarm that flashes lights, or use steering wheel, gear shift or pedal locks, kill switches and GPS trackers to reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen. This is especially important for vehicles more than 10 years old that are not equipped with electronic engine immobilization.
• Preventing hot-wiring with a smart key or other system that blocks electricity or fuel flow. If you have an older vehicle, check with your local manufacturer’s service center about qualifying for a security software update.

As Don McPherson said,” True prevention is not waiting for bad things to happen, it’s preventing things from happening in the first place.”

Auto theft has far-reaching effects

Automobile theft is stressful, with costs that are both financial and emotional. Consider auto insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs related to insurance coverage. You may also need a rental car. Your money, time and peace of mind are worth the effort towards awareness and the protection of your auto — and yourself.

If you have been the victim of car theft, contact the police to share the car’s make, model and year, any distinguishing features about its appearance, your license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Be prepared to share information about your belongings inside the vehicle. Mail could give criminals your home address; keys could then give them access to your home; you will want to change your locks. An office badge could provide additional identifying information … and access to your place of business; let your employer know about any potential security breath. Did you have credit cards inside the vehicle? Cancel them — pronto!

The more you know — and can share, with authorities, the easier it will be to locate your stolen vehicle. Leave the job of recovering your vehicle to the police; do not — under any circumstances — try to get it back yourself, as auto thieves are often involved in violent crimes and armed, posing an extreme threat to the public and law enforcement personnel alike.

After you have notified the police, contact your insurance company to file a claim.

Then, be in touch with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Victims of auto theft — or catatlytic converter theft — can apply for assistance from CATPA. Limited funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis to address vehicle cleaning, reimbursement of limited repairs, storage and towing fees, and alternative transportation.

Keep your car safe

For tips on how to avoid being a victim of car theft, visit LockDownYourCar.org, the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority website, http://lockdownyourcar.org/.