Colorado Auto Theft Drops 34% in 2025, Marking Third Straight Year of Decline, New State Report Shows

Description: Colorado’s 2025 Auto Theft Report shows a 34% drop in vehicle thefts, a 56% decline since 2021, and an 80% recovery rate, highlighting major progress in statewide crime reduction efforts. Read the full Press release from Colorado State Patrol Public Affairs Office...

Colorado Statistical Report Shows Large Auto Theft Reductions

(COLORADO) –The Colorado State Patrol business unit, the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC), completed its annual statistical review of all statewide auto theft data. This undertaking provides Colorado with the most strategic review of auto theft possible. Information like this allows critical decision-makers to understand auto theft at both the macro and micro levels and to make timely decisions on how to prevent and counteract it. From c-suite leaders to the public, this report has critical takeaways for anyone with an interest or a question about auto theft. This complex long-term analysis culminates in the attached document, the 2025 Colorado Auto Theft Annual Report.

Highlights of this report include:

• Colorado marked its third consecutive year of motor vehicle theft (MVT) reductions, experiencing a substantial 34% decline in auto theft for the calendar year 2025 compared to 2024. This decline represents a 56% reduction in auto theft since 2021.
• The National Trend indicated vehicle thefts falling 23% nationally in 2025 compared to 2024.
• Theft Rate: Colorado's thefts by volume of 16,291 in 2025 ranked 14th in the nation. The motor vehicle theft rate per capita of 271 per 100,000 residents in 2025 ranked 6th worst, a significant improvement from the number one (1) worst ranking in 2021.
• Recovery Rate: Of the 16,291 reported auto thefts in 2025, 80% (13,084) were recovered in 2025. The total recoveries reported in 2025, regardless of theft date, were 14,452.
• Economic Factor: There was an approximate $257 million average total loss (ATL) based on ATICC's value assessment.
• Colorado Courts related to MVT: In 2025, Colorado Courts recorded 3,443 cases encompassing 11,482 charges related to or associated with motor vehicle theft.
• Top Stolen Vehicles: In 2025, the SUV topped the list of most stolen vehicles by style at 4,853, followed by the passenger car at 4,725. The Chevrolet Silverado was the most stolen vehicle by make and model, and the 2013 Hyundai Elantra was the most-at-risk stolen vehicle by year, make, and model in the state. Hyundai and Kia continue to rank among the top 10 most-stolen vehicles by make, with a combined total of 2,445 stolen in 2025, accounting for approximately 15% of total thefts.
• Denver International Airport (DEN): In 2025, DEN reported 94 auto thefts within a two and a half (2.5) mile radius, which indicates an 87% decrease compared to 713 in 2023. This can be attributed to a multi-faceted approach which includes measures initiated by the Governor's office, the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA), the Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE), the CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (CMATT), Denver Police Department (DPD), and Denver International Airport.
• The Governor's office implemented a Wildly Important Goal (WIG) of 35% statewide reduction for the crime of motor vehicle theft for July 2025 – June 2026. Preliminary statistics from July 2025 through February 2026 indicate a 39% decrease.

"Many of these key findings represent excellent progress in the fight against the crime of auto theft, but as we look to further safeguard our cars and our communities, we need additional commitment from every driver. Locking your cars and taking your keys is the bare minimum, but with tools from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority – like free steering wheel locks at State Patrol offices, this is the best time to do more to protect our roads and our communities from the dangerous crime of auto theft," Col. Matt Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol, stated.

While 2025 was a landmark year for reductions, help us keep Colorado and your car safe by locking your car, taking your keys, keeping your car clean, and parking smarter. We are looking forward to another great year, just like this year – thanks to the continual commitment from our Colorado vehicle owners. Stay safe.

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