Most Commonly Stolen Cars in 2025

With 334,114 vehicle thefts reported in the first half of 2025, car theft has seen a decline in the first half of 2025.

However, with rising TikTok trends driving particular makes and models of cars to be targeted, rising metal value leading to increased interest in car components, and technological developments providing loopholes for criminals, car theft is still a prominent threat across the country.

For businesses, car theft represents financial, reputational, and operational damage. Whether you’re providing customers with parking, operating a commercial premises, providing parking for an apartment complex, car theft has severe impacts on business owners. 

Increased insurance premiums, operational disruption, liability claim, reputational damage, strained community relationships, and costly downtime are all risks posed to your business as a result of car theft. 

Already attractive targets, parking lots are attractive targets due to an assumed lack of surveillance, predictable patterns, and poor visibility.

By understanding the current landscape of car theft in the US so far in 2025, businesses are able to take proactive steps to strengthen their security, protect vehicles, and display commitment to parking lot users, insurers, and the community.

Most Commonly Stolen Cars in 2025 So Far

The first half of 2025 may show a decline in car theft overall, but this doesn’t mean the dangers aren’t still ever present for businesses across the US.

Data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has highlighted the popular targets of the year so far. This research reveals what thieves have been valuing most, and what businesses need to watch out for. 

Car Make/Model	Number of Thefts: Q1 and Q2 of 2025
Hyundai Elantra	11,329
Hyundai Sonata	9,154
Honda Accord	8,531
Chevrolet Silverado 1500	8,006
Honda Civic	6,396
Kia Optima	6,011
Ford F150	4,996
Toyota Camry	4,986
Honda CR-V	4,889
Kia Soul	4,380

Read More: San Antonio Auto Theft: Most Stolen Vehicles and Zip Codes to Watch

States with the Most Vehicle Thefts

As well as there being particular interest from thieves with car makes and models, certain States also face higher rates than others. Therefore, it’s important to also understand these hotspots as businesses to assess risk level and mitigate any threats local to those areas.

Below provides the top 10 States with the highest rates of car theft during Q1 and Q2 of 2025 (per 100,000 residents).

State	Car Theft Rate: Q1 and Q2 of 2025
District of Columbia	373.09
California	178.01
Nevada	167.68
New Mexico	167.54
Colorado	149.04
Missouri	142.17
Maryland	136.48
Texas	123.83
Alaska	117.41
Washington	115.20

Access Our Guide to Parking Lot Security - https://www.lot-guard.com/resources/blog/the-complete-guide-to-parking-lot-security/

Why Parking Lots Are Common Targets For Car Theft

Often perceived as safe environments, parking lots are very deceptive, with them still being one of the most common locations for car theft across the US. 

For criminals, these areas are the perfect targets due to the opportunity and anonymity they provide them with. With dozens, often hundreds of vehicles in close proximity to one another, thieves can quickly identify a target, act and steal a car in minutes whilst remaining undetected.

Many parking lots, particularly those belonging to businesses, will lack the security required to prevent car theft. From poor lighting and inconsistent surveillance to predictable vehicle trends and high traffic volume, thieves are provided with endless opportunities.

Understanding the exact vulnerabilities faced by parking lots is the first step for businesses aiming to protect customers, employees, and assets. Using this, companies can take proactive steps to strengthen their security and prevent crime from striking their parking lot.

Below provides a brief snapshot of the main attractions for car theft at parking lots:

• Parking lots hold numerous cars in one confined space, providing thieves with various targets. 

• Predictable vehicle patterns making it easier for thieves to plan their targets and establish parking lot weaknesses. 

• Poor lighting, low visibility, and lack of surveillance which create blind spots for thieves to take advantage of.

• Parking lots tend to have open layouts with multiple access points, making entering and escaping easy for thieves.

• A lack of physical security and patrols, reducing the criminal deterrence at your parking lot. 

• Older and keyless cars parked in lots create appeal to thieves as they’re easier to steal. 

• Car components like catalytic converters are attractive parts for thieves to steal and sell.

Awareness is only part of the process of protecting your parking lot from car theft, the next step is to implement the right prevention strategies as a business to make your lot safer and less attractive to thieves. 

Discover More Common Parking Lot Crimes

Prevention Strategies for Businesses With Car Theft in Parking Lots

Whilst car theft remains a prominent threat across the country, there are proven prevention strategies businesses can implement to significantly reduce these risks at their parking lots. 

Although they will always be attractive targets, with a blended approach of technology, parking lot layout, policy changes, and operational adjustments, they can be transformed into safe, secure environments.

From installing parking lot surveillance and lighting to building staff awareness and strengthening access control, effective security relies on making proactive efforts to do so as a business.

We’ve outlined key strategies all businesses can take to help reduce car thefts, prevent reputational damage, and build trust with customers, employees, and community. 

Improve the Visibility and Design of Your Parking Lot

Parking lots are filled with hiding places and blind spots that thieves will often take advantage of, especially at night. 

Therefore, simply enhancing the visibility in your parking lot through implementing lighting, enhancing its layout, and removing vegetation can transform your security. 

All businesses need to ensure that every area, particularly entrances, exits, corners, and any blind spots are well-lit at all times. Consider the lighting you choose as the cheapest option is unlikely to be sufficient for large parking lots or those with complex layouts.

Additionally, you should trim back any overgrown vegetation, unnecessary obstructions, and parking spaces are easily visible of any persons or buildings nearby.

Where possible, carefully consider the layout of your parking lot, as this not only boosts security, but creates a safer environment for lot users. From improving pedestrian safety to providing peace of mind for customers and employees at night. 

Boost the Physical Security at Your Lot

Physical security is an essential element of criminal deterrent, especially car theft. Whether it’s installing parking lot surveillance cameras, employing security guards, adding motion-sensored lighting, or placing physical barriers around your lot’s perimeter. 

These measures can significantly reduce risks and boost your parking lot’s security by minimizing the risk of it being targeted by thieves. 

Popular solutions like mobile surveillance units and regular security patrols provide an enhanced layer of protection and increasing visibility. In turn, improving response times in cases of criminal activity. 

The aim of physical security is to send a clear message to potential thieves that your parking lot is monitored and secured. Removing the target commonly associated with them. 

Improve Access Control at the Entries and Exits of Your Parking Lot

One of the main downfalls to parking lot security is the number of access points that thieves can utilize for easy entry and escape. Generally, the more access points, the more complex management becomes for businesses.

Access control manifests in many ways, from security guards units and automatic gates to LPR technology and controlled entry points. The best measure for your lot will depend on several factors, including its usage, size, and layout.

For large retail stores, parking lots often require open access, so automatic gates and keycard systems are unsuitable, but for distribution centers which require stricter access, these solutions are likely to be effective. 

You may wish to consider separating employee, delivery, and visitor entrances from customers to make monitoring simpler in case of any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access. 

Clear signage alongside access control can emphasize traffic flow and ensure security teams clearly understand the parking lot’s layout, increasing incident response time. 

Ensure Employee Training and Incident Response Planning

As a business, you hold a large responsibility to protect your parking lot, however, this only provides so much. Without well-trained employees, incident response is often slow and threats can go amiss.

Establish clear policies and procedures that outline vehicle security protocols, pedestrian safety, parking rules, and how to respond if crime presents itself in your parking lot. 

Within this, you should ensure they’re aware of procedure as employees, but also of customers, visitors, and deliveries as it’s likely these will vary from one another. In all instances, it’s vital to keep communication with local Law Enforcement. 

Regular practice drills and refreshers training helps to ensure employees remain informed of any security policies and procedures in place, particularly if these have been updated during their time at a business.

Car theft is often an opportunistic crime, so the better informed employees are, the quicker crime can be prevented or responded to.

10 Tips to Keep Employees Safe in Your Parking Lot

Adopt Advanced Monitoring Technology

Surveillance technology has developed over the years to offer mobile solutions designed perfectly for parking lots. Offering flexibility through complete power autonomy, advanced surveillance solutions help visibly deter crime whilst live monitoring and recording your lot. 

Compared to permanent systems, mobile units like LotGuard provide 24/7 coverage in areas without the need for fixed power or internet. This allows them to cover complex spaces, hard-to-reach locations, and remote parking lots where permanent systems aren’t suitable.

Combining remote monitoring, live video feeds, video analytics, and secure evidence gathering technology, businesses can keep watch of activity in real-time and receive instant alerts if suspicious activity occurs.

Alongside lighting and other security measures, mobile surveillance creates a layered defense that significantly decreases the risk of crime and increases the chance of your business capturing offenders.

And with the introduction of a centralized platform, like our in-house, cloud-based solution, Stellifii, businesses can combine various advanced technologies into one space. 

From live surveillance monitoring to LPR technology, some providers can offer platforms that feed all this information for you to view, download, and investigate. 

This works perfectly for businesses looking to monitor multiple parking lots with platforms like Stellifii, you can view all of these locations in one space without the complication of needing multiple suppliers and systems to do so.

Provide Guidance to Parking Lot Users

Encouraging safe behavior with employees, customers, and visitors is often overlooked as a prevention strategy for car theft, however, it’s just as important to ensure any users knows steps they can take to protect themselves against this. 

Remind users to lock their cars, remove any valuables, and keep vigilant with signage throughout your parking lot. This helps to both provide guidance and offer reassurance.

Additional support like sharing parking guidelines during any onboarding process or visitor check-ins at your business helps promote a culture based on awareness and accountability. 

Best Practices Checklist for Businesses

To create a secure parking lot environment for everyone, your business should take a blended approach that incorporates technology, awareness building, and operational planning.

We’ve created a checklist below that brings together key steps your business can take to reduce the risk of car theft and strengthen security throughout your parking lot. 

• Complete a risk assessment of your parking lot and update any security measures accordingly.

• Keep lighting consistent and bright at all times, especially in blind spots, corners, and any access points. 

• Install overt surveillance units such as LotGuard in your parking lot to help deter criminal activity.

• Use barriers, access control, and vegetation to restrict unauthorized access. 

• Train employees in your theft prevention procedures, monitoring of suspicious behavior, and reporting process.

• Ensure clear signage around the parking lot to remind users of steps they can take to prevent car theft. 

• Check security measures like cameras and lighting on a regular basis to ensure they are in working order. 

• Develop an incident response plan in the case of theft or any car crimes, and coordinate with Law Enforcement if it occurs. 

• Promote a security-first culture with employees, visitors, and parking lot users. 

By following these steps and best practice, your business is helping to protect employees, customers, visitors, and valuable assets whilst maintaining a safe environment that discourages crime. For businesses, this also helps to protect your reputation and resources.

Learn How to Prevent Car Crime

Protecting Your Business Against Car Theft With LotGuard

With TikTok trends like the Kia Challenge and business reputation on the line, businesses must prioritize their security. Proactive surveillance solutions like LotGuard, your parking lot, no matter the environment can remain protected against vehicle theft and other related crime such as parking lot takeovers. 

Our Surveillance Trailers are designed specifically to provide flexible, yet powerful crime prevention by combining high-definition video, remote monitoring, and video analytics in one singular unit. 

Delivering 24/7 visibility and taking only one parking space, our Trailers capture clear video evidence to enable swift response to any suspicious activity or incidents without the need for immediate human intervention.

With features like live access and real-time response, businesses can feel peace of mind that instant action can be taken. Whether it’s triggering sirens, activating blue lights, sending a live audio challenge through the speakers, or contacting Law Enforcement. 

Due to their fully mobile design, LotGuard’s parking lot surveillance solutions can be deployed quickly across various environments to cover vulnerable locations or for temporary requirements. 

This means no permanent installation, no need for fixed power, or access to wired internet, making them ideal for businesses managing multiple parking lots, short-term operations, or large, complex locations where security coverage can be difficult. 

Beyond deterring car theft, we help businesses demonstrate due diligence to parking lot users, employees, and insurers by displaying your commitment to safety and loss prevention. Its simple presence alone protects your parking lot, but also offers reassurance to employees, customers, and visitors.

Interested in turning your parking lot security from a reactive approach to proactive crime prevention, businesses like you can stay ahead of thieves and safeguards both your assets and reputation. 

Don’t wait for theft to reach your parking lot, and act today with LotGuard. Speak with one of our experts to learn how we can support you and help your business protect itself, your customers, employees, and community. 

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