How many vehicles are stolen each year in Virginia? Learn all about the numbers here.
In 1987, there were 15,022 motor vehicle thefts in Virginia; by 1991 auto thefts had soared to more than 21,000. Therefore, the Virginia General Assembly created the Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) Fund to educate citizens about vehicle theft and the theft of parts. This funding also provides training to law enforcement agencies as they work together to combat vehicle theft across the Commonwealth. While auto thefts have since decreased by more than 60%, there is still plenty that can be done to help eliminate auto theft.
The most recent numbers at a glance*:
- There were 11,638 motor vehicle theft offenses in Virginia in 2021. This represents a 4% increase from 2020.
- In 2021, most vehicles were stolen over the Winter while the least were stolen in the Spring.
- 35% of auto thefts occurred at a residence in 2021.
- There were 1,014 arrests reported in 2021, a decrease of 5% from 2020 when 1,068 arrests were reported.
- In 2021, the value of reported stolen motor vehicles totaled $134 million. This represents a 4% decrease from 2020 when the value of stolen vehicles was $137 million.
*Source: Crime in Virginia Report, 2021