Colorado Auto Theft

• Colorado Performace: 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.
• 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.
• In a 5-year comparison from 2021 through 2025, Colorado experienced a notable 56% decrease in reported vehicles stolen. Between 2021 through 2025, Colorado has experienced continued decreases in auto theft, with 2025 vs 2024 marking the most notable decrease at 34% (ATICC, SVDR, 2021-2025) (ATICC, 2024 Auto Theft Annual Report, 2024)
• The National Insurance Crime Buearu (NICB's) 2025 National Vehicle Thefts by state data indicates Colorado is ranked 14th in the nation per volume of thefts and has imporved to the number 6th position in motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 residents nationwide. (NICB, 2025 National Vehicle Thefts by State, 2026)
• Alinging with previous reporting years, 2025 motor vehcile theft data demonstrates that an average of 53% of reported stolen vehicles are recovered outside the jurisdiction where the motor vehicle thet occurred, indicating the crime of motor vehicle theft is a multijurisdictional crime event. This is a 10% difference from 2024 where 63% of the reported stolen vehicles were recoved in different juridictions. (ATICC, SVDR, 2021-2025)
• In 2025, the Chevrolet Silverado (659 thefts) and Hyundai Elantra (621 thefts) emerged as the highest volume of reported stolen vehicles. (ATICC, SVDR, 2021-2025)
• Hyundai and Kia manufactured vehicles collectively accounted for 15% of all reported stolen vehicles in the state, totaling 2,445 out of the 16,291 vehicles stolen in 2025 versus 19% of all stolen vehicles in 2024 and 23% of all stolen vehicles in 2023. Hyundai and Kia manufacturers offered a free anti-theft software update for certain models in 2023 and continued these upgrades through 2024 and 2025. These efforts appear to support the downward trajectory of Hyundai and Kia thefts statewide. (ATICC, SVDR, 2021-2025)
• Insightsfrom Colorado Courts data for 2025 revealthat out of 3,443 cases filed, 79 % (2,729 cases) involved additional criminal charges related to the motor vehicle theft incident. The sole charge of motor vehicle theft occurred in 714 (21%) cases filed in 2025. (Colorado
  Courts, 2021-2025)
• According to the Fly Denver press release, during 2025, Denver International Airport (DEN) served a record-breaking 82,427,962 passengers, reflecting a 0.1% increase compared to the previous year's record of 82,358,744 passengers. This marks three
  consecutive years that DEN surpassed 70 million annual passengers. The surge of auto thefts in 2023 prompted DEN, the Denver Police
  Department (DPD), CATPA, CMATT, and the Denver Auto Theft Task Force (DATT) to respond swiftly, with various measures that decreased auto theft at DEN by 87% in the last two years. The decrease from 2024 to 2025 alone was 69%. DEN’s continued multifaceted strategy, including the installation of 40 new high-resolution security cameras in 2025 and on-going collaboration with
  law enforcement agencies are helping to keep your vehicle safer while parked at the airport. (FlyDenver.com Press Release, July 29, 2025)

Auto Theft Victim Impact

Auto theft is considered a property crime; however, stolen vehicles are often used to commit other crimes. Drug use connected with auto theft is very common in Colorado. There is a financial impact on the victim as well as potential danger associated with a recovered stolen vehicle. Victims are encouraged to check their cars for damage, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other contraband. The victim should carefully vacuum the vehicle and wipe down the interior surfaces with a disinfectant. If the vehicle was stolen with the key and they key was not recovered, a new ignition switch should be installed. Locks on the victim's home, office and other buildings should be changed if the thief had access to their keys. Garage door codes should be changed and enhanced security measures should be taken at him, since the thief knows where the victim lives.

Puffer Vehicles

Please come back for updated information.

Colorado's Top Ten Stolen Vehicles 2025 (ATICC)

1. Chevy Silverado - 683 Thefts (Top year 2004 with 79 thefts)
2. Hyundai Elantra - 621 Thefts (Top year 2013 with 139 thefts)
3. Hyundai Sonata- 369 Thefts (Top year 2013 with 60 thefts)
4. Ford F-150 - 358 Thefts (Top year 2018 with 29 thefts)
5. GMC Sierra - 326 Thefts (Top year 2005 with 34 thefts)
6. Ford F-250 - 311 Thefts (Top year 2003 with 33 thefts)
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee - 222 Thefts (Top year 2015 with 29 thefts)
8. Honda Civic - 221 Thefts (Top year 2000 with 16 thefts)
9. KIA Optima - 216 Thefts (Top year 2015 with 47 thefts)
10. Honda Accord - 215 Thefts (Top year 1996 with 16 thefts)

Colorado Auto Theft by Area in 2024 (2024 ATICC Annual Public Report)

Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority

Efforts to combat auto theft play a major role in reducing the number of stolen vehicles. The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) awards state grants that fund law enforcement, prosecution, training and public awareness activities targeting auto theft. Click here for more information about the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority.