(Seattle, WA) The State of Washington continues to rank fifth nationally in auto theft volume. However, for the first time since 2020, the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority says the state experienced a decline in auto thefts. The thefts were down 31% in 2024, when compared to 2023.
There were 12,640 fewer victims of auto theft in Washington in 2024 from the previous year, says the Theft Prevention Authority.
Washington still ranks seventh nationwide in auto thefts per capita and fifth for total volume of auto thefts. Auto thefts per capita are arguably the most meaningful statistic metric when comparing where Washington ranks on the national stage, because it measures thefts to population which creates a clearer picture of opportunity, according to the Theft Prevention Authority.
Officials say the reduction in vehicle thefts is attributed to factors that include the work of vehicle crime investigators, aggressive prosecution, juvenile incarceration for violent crimes, a change in the state’s pursuit law, technology upgrades – to include Automated License Plate Readers, and public outreach to assist with education to protect vehicles from theft.