Colorado Auto Theft

• Colorado witnessed a substantial improvement in statewide reported stolen vehicles, registering a notable 25% decrease in reported stolen vehicles by volume in 2024, amounting to 8,401 fewer thefts, compared to reported vehicle thefts in 2023. This positive trend continues with the 21% decrease observed in 2023. Colorado experienced 24,575 reported stolen vehicles in 2024, averaging a per capita rate of 415 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents, compared to 32,976 reported stolen vehicles in 2023, averaging a per capita rate of 560 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. (SVDR, 2019-2024)
• The recovery rate for 2024 stands at 82%, marking the lowest point in the 5-year comparison. (ATICC, SVDR, 2019-2024)
• In a 5-year comparison from 2019 through 2023, Colorado experienced a notable 56% increase in reported stolen vehicles. However, the landscape shifted in 2024 with a significant 25% decrease in reported stolen vehicles, altering the overall five-year comparison for 2020-2024 to reflect a 15% decrease in reported stolen vehicles. This reduction in 2024 played a crucial role in decelerating Colorado's motor vehicle theft pace when compared to the earlier years of 2018-2022 experiencing a 98% increase. (ATICC, SVDR, 2019-2024) (ATICC, 2022 Auto Theft Annual Report, 2022)
• The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) published the “2024 Vehicle Theft Trend Report” on March 18, 2025, shedding light on Colorado's motor vehicle theft rank per capita. In 2024, NICB ranked Colorado with the #4 spot for thefts per capita for all U.S. states at 430 versus 583 in 2023, ranking Colorado at #2 for thefts per capita.i ii (NICB, 2023 Vehicle Theft Trends, 2023) (NICB, 2024 Vehicle Theft Trends, 2024)
• Aligning with previous reporting years, 2024 motor vehicle theft data demonstrates that an average of 63% of reported stolen vehicles are recovered outside the municipality where the motor vehicle theft occurred, indicating the crime of motor vehicle theft is a multijurisdictional criminal event. This is a 12% increase compared to the 2023 findings. (ATICC, SVDR, 2019-2024)
• In 2024, the Chevrolet Silverado (1071 thefts) and Hyundai Elantra (969 thefts) emerged as the highest volume of reported stolen vehicles. (ATICC, SVDR, 2019-2024)
• Hyundai and Kia manufactured vehicles collectively accounted for 19% of all reported stolen vehicles in the state, totaling 4,560 out of the 24,575 vehicles stolen in 2024 versus 23% of all stolen vehicles in 2023 and 25% of all stolen vehicles in 2022. Hyundai and Kia manufacturers offered a free anti-theft software update for certain models in February 2023 that appears to support the downward trajectory of Hyundai and Kia thefts statewide. (ATICC, SVDR, 2019-2024)
• Insights from Colorado Courts data for 2024 reveal that out of 4,291 cases filed, 77% (3,316 cases) involved additional criminal charges related to the motor vehicle theft incident. The sole charge of motor vehicle theft occurred in 975 (23%) cases filed in 2024. (Colorado Courts, 2020-2024)
• Denver International Airport - According to the Fly Denver press release, during 2024, Denver International Airport (DEN) served a record-breaking 82,358,744 passengers, reflecting a 6% increase compared to the previous year's record of 77,837,917 passengers. This marks two consecutive years that DEN surpassed 70 million annual passengers. The surge of auto thefts in 2023 versus 2022 (80% increase) prompted DEN, the Denver Police Department (DPD), CATPA, CMATT, and the Denver Auto Theft Task Force (DATT) to respond swiftly, with various measures that decreased auto theft at DEN by 58% in 2024. In 2023, DEN CEO Phil Washington stated, “DEN’s multifaceted strategy is a testament to our dedication to providing a safe environment within our parking lots. Through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and innovative security measures, we are taking proactive steps to minimize auto thefts and damages.” v (Denver 7, DIA Security Measures, 2023)

Auto Theft Victim Impact

Auto theft is considered a property crime; however, stolen vehicles are often used to commit other crimes. Drug use connected with auto theft is very common in Colorado. There is a financial impact on the victim as well as potential danger associated with a recovered stolen vehicle. Victims are encouraged to check their cars for damage, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other contraband. The victim should carefully vacuum the vehicle and wipe down the interior surfaces with a disinfectant. If the vehicle was stolen with the key and they key was not recovered, a new ignition switch should be installed. Locks on the victim's home, office and other buildings should be changed if the thief had access to their keys. Garage door codes should be changed and enhanced security measures should be taken at him, since the thief knows where the victim lives.

Puffer Vehicles

Please come back for updated information.

Colorado's Top Ten Stolen Vehicles 2024 (ATICC)

1. Chevy Silverado - 1071 Thefts (Top year 2006 with 129 thefts)
2. Hyundai Elantra - 969 Thefts (Top year 2013 with 197 thefts)
3. Hyundai Sonata- 620 Thefts (Top year 2024 with 72 thefts)
4. Chevrolet Sierra - 575 Thefts (Top year 2005 with 70 thefts)
5. Ford F-250 - 563 Thefts (Top year 2004 with 72 thefts)
6. Ford F-150 - 530 Thefts (Top year 2018 with 57 thefts)
7. Kia Optima - 500 Thefts (Top year 2015 with 94 thefts)
8. Kia Soul - 479 Thefts (Top year 2016 with 106 thefts)
9. Honda Civic - 470 Thefts (Top year with 58 thefts)
10. Kia Sportage - 443 Thefts (Top year with 90 thefts)

Colorado Auto Theft by Area in 2024 (2024 ATICC Annual Public Report)

Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority

Efforts to combat auto theft play a major role in reducing the number of stolen vehicles. The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) awards state grants that fund law enforcement, prosecution, training and public awareness activities targeting auto theft. Click here for more information about the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority.