Local & Community

What Car Is Most Likely To Get Stolen In California?

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - The number of automobile thefts throughout Riverside
County plummeted 21% last year, while the county sheriff's department
ranked in the top five statewide among agencies that successfully recovered
stolen vehicles, according to statistics released by the California Highway
Patrol.
  

The number of countywide auto thefts reported in 2025 totaled 6,012,
compared to 7,648 in 2024, the CHP said Tuesday in its annual publication of
``California Vehicle Theft Facts.''
  

``Vehicle theft is not a victim-less crime,'' CHP Commissioner Sean
Duryee said. ``It fuels organized criminal activity and creates hardship for
families across California. The CHP remains committed to holding offenders
accountable, recovering stolen vehicles and working with our law enforcement
partners to make our communities safer.''
  

The local decline dovetailed with downward trends across California,
where the total theft count last year amounted to 133,372, compared to 176,230
in 2024, reflecting a 24% drop, figures showed. It was the second consecutive
year-to-year decrease.
  

Riverside County ranked No. 6 statewide for vehicle thefts last year.
Los Angeles County was No. 1 at 47,191, according to CHP statistics.
  

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department ranked No. 3 for theft
recoveries statewide, securing 2,292 cars, trucks and motorcycles that had been
reported stolen, data showed. No other Inland Empire law enforcement agency
landed in the top 10 for recoveries.
  

Of the 6,012 vehicles reported stolen in all jurisdictions countywide
in 2025, 4,795 were later recovered, though there was no mention in the CHP
report regarding how many were damaged.
  

The agency said the majority of vehicles stolen in 2025 comprised SUVs
and light pickup trucks, amounting to 43% of the total number of takings.
Cars made up 37% of the sum, with commercial trucks and trailers, motorcycles,
recreational vehicles, construction and farm equipment comprising the balance
of thefts.
  

In the category of pickups and SUVs, the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
remained the No. 1 target last year, just like in 2024. Among cars, the 2013
Hyundai Elantra was the chief preference for thieves, while Honda motorcycles
manufactured in 2023 were also at the top of the list, statistics indicated.
  

The estimated composite value of all the vehicles stolen in 2025 was
$1.2 billion, according to the CHP.
  

Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.

By: City News Service

July 30, 2026

City News ServiceRiverside County Sheriffs DepartmentCalifornia Highway PatrolTheftCrimeReport
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
119

It’s time for Season 5!! Fuego stopped by the studio today with a message! Coachella Valley Firebirds season opener this Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. — tickets at CVFIREBIRDS.COM

71

Guess we are not the only ones asking about money in the Desert Recreation District! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings

296

8 years lated and $30 MILLION higher … Should the state order an independent audit? Drop a 💬 if you want answers! #cvusd #coachellavalley #audit #therogginreport #nbcpalmsprings

127

Data centers on pause. ✋ Palm Springs City Council unanimously extended it’s moratorium through August 25, 2028, giving the city time to set zoning rules. What do you think of the decision? 🌴

17

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry

116

About 650,000 ballots and election materials are back with Riverside County election officials after the California Supreme Court ruled their seizure violated state election law. The materials remain under the registrar’s control as officials determine next steps.

27

Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you get excited or stressed about the upcoming holiday season (or both) ?

276

BREAKING: Human remains believed to be those of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar have been discovered at a second site in the Salton City area, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office. A skull and rib cage were found during a search involving Imperial County investigators and the FBI. Testing is still needed to confirm the remains belong to Tovar. The discovery comes one day after suspect Finebloom pleaded guilty to torture and voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that could result in a sentence of 13 years to life. More details on NBCPalmSprings.com

303

NBC Palm Springs went back to Indio Hills today after Dillon Road flooded last night, forcing many residents to leave. One resident told us he is back today, working on repairs—after his home faced extensive damage in the flood. be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for a live look at the area today. #coachellavalley #weather #flood #indiohills #weather

2841

This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager

What Car Is Most Likely To Get Stolen In California?