NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO STATE PATROL
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The Colorado State Patrol, Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center has released its annual report detailing the findings of auto theft incidents across Colorado.
Notable findings include:
- Colorado witnessed a substantial improvement in statewide reported stolen vehicles, registering a notable 21% decrease in reported stolen vehicles by volume in 2023, amounting to 8,680 fewer thefts, compared to reported vehicle thefts in 2022. This positive trend contrasts with the 12% increase observed in 2022. Colorado experienced 32,976 reported stolen vehicles in 2023, averaging a per capita rate of 560 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents, compared to 41,656 reported stolen vehicles in 2022, averaging a per capita rate of 713 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents.
- An estimated $430,897,392 of value was related to the 32,976 reported stolen vehicles in 2023.
- In a five-year comparison from 2018 through 2022, Colorado experienced a notable 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. This reduction in 2023 played a crucial role in decelerating Colorado's motor vehicle theft pace when compared to the earlier years of 2018-2022.
- Examining the rate of reported stolen vehicles per capita over the past five years reveals a 56% increase. In 2019, the rate was 358 reported stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents, rising to 560 reported stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents in 2023.
- Aligning with previous reporting years, 2023 motor vehicle theft data demonstrates that 51% of reported stolen vehicles are recovered outside the municipality where the motor vehicle theft occurred, indicating the crime of motor vehicle theft is a multijurisdictional criminal event.
- Insights from Colorado Courts data for 2023 reveal that out of 4,763 cases/dockets filed, 76% (3,615 cases) involved additional criminal charges related to the motor vehicle theft incident.
- Breaking down the 4,763 cases/dockets filed in 2023 revealed that 1,148 cases (24%) were singularly charged with motor vehicle theft. This insight is drawn from the detailed data provided by the Colorado Courts MVT and Associated Offense Charge Data for the year 2020-2023.
- The 2023 Colorado Courts data indicates that 563 (12%) of the cases/dockets filed carried charges associated with violent crimes linked to motor vehicle theft, aligning with the definition of "Crime of Violence" as per the Colorado Revised Statute.
- The charge of "F3, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft w/Two Prior" convictions or adjudications were contained in 191 cases/dockets filed in 2023, approximately 4% of the total.
- Hyundai Elantra (1,332 thefts) and Chevrolet Silverado (1,285 thefts) emerged as the highest volume of reported stolen vehicles.
- 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.
What does this mean? Colorado has made significant strides to reducing auto theft statewide. While incidents of auto theft remain high, comparatively to a national average, Coloradans across the State have stepped up to stop auto theft.
From legislative changes, law enforcement strategy changes, to the invaluable efforts made by the public everyday to secure their vehicles.
Through continued partnerships we hope to help further reduce auto theft. Despite these positive trends we can not stress enough, now is no time to become relaxed with vehicle security.
Continued public engagement and action is paramount to continued reduction of auto theft Statewide.
For more information on stopping auto theft, learning more about auto theft trends, and to become involved with our victim’s assistance or vehicle hardening programs, visit lockdownyourcar.org
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