Colorado experienced a 34 percent decline in motor vehicle theft in 2025 compared to the previous year, representing a 56 percent reduction since the state’s peak in 2021, according to the annual report released by the Colorado State Patrol’s Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center.

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The 2025 figures continue a trajectory established in last year’s report, when the Colorado State Patrol released 2024 data showing the second consecutive year of declines, which built upon 2023 declines.

The state recorded 16,291 vehicle thefts in 2025, ranking 14th nationally by volume. Colorado’s per capita theft rate of 271 per 100,000 residents ranked sixth worst in the nation, a significant improvement from its number one ranking in 2021.

Of the vehicles reported stolen, 80 percent were recovered. The 13,084 recoveries from 2025 thefts, combined with recoveries of vehicles stolen in prior years, brought the total to 14,452 vehicles recovered during the year. The ATICC estimated an approximate $257 million in average total loss from motor vehicle theft statewide. 

The decline outpaced the national trend, which saw vehicle thefts fall 23 percent in 2025 compared to 2024.

Most-Stolen Vehicles

SUVs topped the list of most-stolen vehicles by style with 4,853 thefts, followed by passenger cars at 4,725. The Chevrolet Silverado was the most-stolen vehicle by make and model, while the 2013 Hyundai Elantra was the most at-risk vehicle by year, make and model. Hyundai and Kia vehicles continued to rank among the top 10 most-stolen makes, with a combined 2,445 thefts accounting for approximately 15 percent of all vehicles stolen in the state.

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport reported 94 auto thefts within a two-and-a-half-mile radius in 2025, an 87 percent decrease from 713 in 2023. The reduction was attributed to a multi-agency effort involving the Governor’s office, the Colorado Department of Public Safety, the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, the Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement task force, the CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force and the Denver Police Department.

Governor’s Reduction Goal

The Governor’s office set a goal of a 35 percent statewide reduction in motor vehicle theft between July 2025 and June 2026. Preliminary statistics from July 2025 through February 2026 show a 39 percent decrease, exceeding the target.

“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,” Colonel Matt Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said. “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.”

Colorado courts recorded 3,443 cases encompassing 11,482 charges related to motor vehicle theft in 2025.

The Colorado State Patrol encourages vehicle owners to lock their vehicles, remove keys, keep interiors free of valuables and park in well-lit areas. Free steering wheel locks are available at State Patrol offices statewide.