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 12,959 motor vehicle theft offenses in Virginia in 2024. This represents a 15.4% decrease from 2023.
- 34.5% of auto thefts (4,476) occurred at a residence in 2024.
- There were 1,354 arrests reported in 2024, a decrease of 7.1% from 2023 when 1,458 arrests were reported.
- In 2024, the value of reported stolen motor vehicles totaled $163,760,867 (~ $164 million).
- This represents a 19.4% decrease from 2023 when the value of stolen vehicles was $203,165,572 (~ $203 million).
*Source: Crime in Virginia Report, 2024