Vehicle Thefts Down Across Riverside County, But If Your Car Does Get Stolen These Guys Can Find It

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Vehicle thefts were down thefts throughout Riverside County plunged, with nearly 25% last year, as the county sheriff's department ranked in the top five among agencies successfully recovering stolen vehicles statewide, according to statistics released Wednesday by the California Highway Patrol.

The number of countywide auto thefts reported in 2024 totaled 7,648, compared to 10,109 the year before -- a 24.34% drop, the CHP said.

The decline dovetailed with downward trends across California, where the total theft count last year amounted to 176,230, compared to 202,936 in 2023, reflecting a roughly 13% drop, figures showed. It was the first statewide year-over-year decrease since 2019.

"We are proud to see fewer vehicles being stolen across the state," agency Commissioner Sean Duryee said. "The CHP and our law enforcement partners are working hard every day to stop these crimes, protect California's communities and hold criminals responsible."

Riverside County ranked No. 6 statewide for vehicle thefts last year. Los Angeles County was No. 1 at 57,987, according to CHP statistics.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department ranked No. 4 for theft recoveries statewide, securing 3,343 cars, trucks and motorcycles that had been reported stolen, data showed.

No other Inland Empire law enforcement agency fell into the top 10 for recoveries. Of the 7,648 vehicles reported stolen in all jurisdictions countywide in 2024, 6,509 were later recovered, though there was no mention in the CHP report regarding how many were damaged.

The CHP said the majority of vehicles stolen in 2024 comprised SUVs and light pickup trucks, amounting to 43% of the total number of takings. Cars made up 39% 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 was No. 1. Among cars, the 2015 Kia Optima was the top target of thieves, statistics indicated.

"For the first time, 2024 `miscellaneous import' ranked No. 1 as the most stolen motorcycle," the CHP said. "Miscellaneous imports are non- specific makes imported from other countries. Honda model years 2022 and 2023 ranked Nos. 2 and 3. "

The estimated composite value of the vehicles stolen in 2024 was $1.56 billion, according to the CHP.