(COLORADO) — The Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center has released its annual report detailing the findings of auto theft incidents across Colorado, including which models were most frequently stolen, how many theft suspects were caught and convicted, among other statistics.
Overall increase in motor vehicle thefts
While Colorado saw a substantial statewide decrease in reports of stolen cars in 2023, amounting to 21% fewer thefts than 2022, the previous five-year increase is staggering. From 2018 to 2022, Colorado experienced a 98% increase in reported stolen cars. When the decrease in 2023 is factored in, however, that five-year comparison is brought down to only a 62% increase. So not all bad news.
According to the report, an estimated $430,897,392 of value was related to the 32,976 reported stolen vehicles in 2023. 51% of reported stolen vehicles were recovered in a jurisdiction outside of the one where the theft occurred, indicating that the crime of motor vehicle theft is often a multijurisdictional offense.
Criminal charges in connection to motor vehicle theft
As for whether theft suspects were charged with motor vehicle theft in conjunction with other crimes, the report reveals that of the 4,763 cases/dockets filed in 2023, 1,148 cases (24%) were singularly charged with motor vehicle theft. 76% (3,615 cases) involved additional criminal charges, with 12% of the additional charges being crimes of violence.
Which models are the most frequently reported stolen?
As with previous years, Hyundai and Kia manufactured vehicles collectively accounted for 23% of all reported stolen vehicles in the state, totaling 7,722 out of the 32,976 vehicles stolen in 2023. Hyundai Elantra (1,332 thefts) and Chevrolet Silverado (1,285 thefts) emerged as the highest volume of reported stolen vehicles.
Click here to view the full report.
To avoid becoming a victim, law enforcement agencies across the state urge drivers to lock their doors, remove valuables, and never leave the keys in the car. Puffing, or leaving your car unattended after starting it to allow it to warm up, is also a major factor in auto theft in Colorado.
Head to LockDownYourCar.org for more tips on how to prevent auto theft and keep yourself safe.
