Colorado car thefts are down, but don't let your guard down because of it

Colorado is seeing a major drop in car thefts.

New data from the Colorado State Patrol shows vehicle thefts have been cut by more than half since 2021 — when the state had the highest rate of stolen vehicles per capita in the country.

From 2024 to 2025 alone, thefts dropped 34 percent — marking the third straight year of declines. Nationwide, thefts also fell, but at a smaller rate of about 23 percent.

In total, Colorado reported just over 16-thousand stolen vehicles in 2025 — down 56 percent from the peak four years earlier.

Despite the improvement, the state still ranks 6th worst in the country for thefts per capita.

Certain vehicles continue to be targeted more than others.

The most stolen models in Colorado last year included the Chevrolet Silverado, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford F-150.

Hyundai and Kia vehicles alone made up about 15 percent of all thefts.

Most of these crimes are happening in the Denver metro area, which accounted for nearly 70 percent of all vehicle thefts statewide.

State Patrol Chief Colonel Matt Packard says drivers still need to stay vigilant — reminding people to lock their vehicles, remove keys, and take advantage of free steering wheel locks offered through the state’s auto theft prevention program.

A reminder of that locally from the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, as there was another vehicle theft in the county—two over this last weekend.

Law enforcement reminds everyone to please remove your keys, lock your vehicle, and do not leave it running unattended. Similarly, please lock your trailers hitch and take the keys out; Do not leave your four wheelers or ATVs unattended.

These simple steps can help prevent theft.

If you see suspicious activity, please report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency.