New Mexico Auto Theft

The National Insurane Crime Bureau (NICB) reported less than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2024 - a drop below the one millon mark for the first time since 2021 and the largest decrease in stolen vehicles in the last 40 years. The 2024 figure is a 16.7 percent decrease from 2023

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Albuquerque, New Mexico ranked in the nation's top ten cities for auto theft in 2020. New Mexico was also in the top 5 in the nation for auto theft from 2016 - 2020.

Unfortunately, Albuquerque is experiencing a plight similar to other cities that border Mexico and within easy access of drug cartels that use stolen cars as a means to finance and transport drugs, weapons and money into and out of Mexico.

New Mexico law enforcement, government officials, state legislators and members of the business community have partnered with the insurance industry during recent years to target the state's auto theft problem. Governor Bill Richardson signed 2009 legislation that strengthened penalties for motor vehicle theft; created new crimes of embezzlement and fraud for auto theft; relocated motor vehicle theft and damage crimes from the Motor Vehicle Code to the Criminal Code.

New Mexico Auto Theft by Location in 2022

New Mexico 's Top Five Stolen Vehicles in 2024 (NICB)

1. Hyundai Elantra
2. Hyundai Sonata
3. Chevy Siverado
4. Honda Accord
5. Kia Optima