The Most Stolen Vehicles in Illinois

Vehicle theft remains a serious concern across the United States, though recent data shows a promising decline. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 850,708 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in 2024, marking a 17% decrease from the record-setting 1.02 million thefts in 2023. Despite this progress, the financial toll remains steep, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimating that vehicle theft costs Americans more than $8 billion annually.

In Illinois, the downward trend is also evident. The NICB reports that 34,047 vehicles were stolen in Illinois in 2024, a 19% decrease from the previous year. This improvement is attributed to coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, automakers, and public awareness campaigns.

Illinois Task Force Recovery Efforts
The Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force (ISATT) continues to play a pivotal role in combating vehicle theft. In fiscal year 2024, ISATT:
  • Conducted 1,854 investigations
  • Recovered 1,346 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $30 million
  • Assisted in an additional 414 recoveries worth nearly $9 million
  • Produced 545 criminal charges, including 385 felonies
  • These efforts were supported by grants from the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which distributed over $5 million to task forces statewide.

The Most Stolen Vehicles in Illinois
While thefts of Hyundai and Kia models have declined nationally due to anti-theft software upgrades, several models remain top targets in Illinois. Based on NICB’s 2024 data, the most stolen vehicles in Illinois were:
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Hyundai Elantra
  • Hyundai Sonata
  • Kia Optima
  • Kia Forte
  • Kia Sportage
  • Kia Soul
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Dodge Charger
  • Infiniti Q50

Tips to Prevent Vehicle Theft
The NICB and NHTSA recommend the following steps to reduce your risk:
  • Park in well-lit areas, especially at night
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you leave your vehicle
  • Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk
  • Never leave your keys or key fob in the vehicle
  • Do not leave your vehicle running unattended

What to Do If Your Vehicle Is Stolen
If your vehicle is stolen, take these steps immediately:
  • Contact law enforcement to file a stolen vehicle report. According to NICB, 34% of stolen vehicles are recovered the same day, and 45% within two days.
  • Notify your insurance company within 24 hours. You’ll need:
    • A copy of the police report or case number
    • Your license plate number
    • Vehicle make, model, color, and VIN
    • Any unique identifying features
  • If you recover your vehicle before authorities do, inform both the police and your insurer right away to avoid complications.
For more information on reporting stolen vehicles and prevention strategies, visit the NICB’s official resource page or NHTSA’s theft prevention guide.
Labels: ,