Report: Colorado auto thefts decreased by 21% in 2023
DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado State Patrol Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center released its annual auto theft report on Friday, revealing that 2023 saw a significant decrease in reported stolen vehicles.
According to the report from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, there were 8,680 fewer reported stolen vehicles in the state last year, a 21% decrease compared to 2022.
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In 2023, 32,976 vehicles were reported stolen in Colorado, averaging a per capita rate of 560 per 100,000 residents. The value of those vehicles was estimated at $430,897,392.
It’s an improvement compared to past years. For example, 2022 saw a 12% increase in motor vehicle theft. There were 41,656 reported stolen vehicles in 2022, according to the report, averaging a per capita rate of 713 per 100,000 residents.
The report noted that while Colorado saw an improvement concerning stolen vehicles in 2023, the local rate remained above the national average.
From 2018 to 2022, the state saw a 98% increase in reported stolen vehicles.
“However, the landscape shifted in 2023 with a significant 21% decrease in reported stolen vehicles, altering the overall five-year comparison for 2019-2023 to reflect a 62% increase in reported stolen vehicles,” the report reads.
According to the report, the average per capita rate in 2019 was 358 reported stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents.
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The report also revealed insight into where the stolen vehicles are recovered.
Fifty-one percent of reported stolen vehicles are recovered outside of the municipality where the theft occurred, “indicating the crime of motor vehicle theft is a multijurisdictional criminal event.”
Additionally, the report found that 76% of motor vehicle theft cases between 2020-2023 involved additional related criminal charges, according to Colorado court data. Out of 4,763 cases filed, only 1,148 cases, or 24%, resulted in a sole motor vehicle theft charge.
The report said Colorado court data indicates that 12% of the cases also had charges associated with violent crimes.
Hyundai Elantras and Chevrolet Silverados emerged with the highest volume of reported stolen vehicles in 2023.
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Hyundai and Kia vehicles together accounted for 23% of all reported stolen vehicles in the state last year.
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