The CHP encourages driver vigilance for National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

SACRAMENTO – July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding drivers to take simple, effective steps to protect their vehicles. California saw a drop in vehicle thefts in 2024, the first year-over-year decrease since 2019.

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

In 2024, thieves stole 176,230 vehicles in California, down from nearly 203,000 in 2023 — a decrease of more than 13%. Of all the vehicles stolen statewide, nearly 85 percent were successfully recovered.

Saturating key areas

With the support of Governor Gavin Newsom, the CHP expanded its efforts to fight vehicle theft through crime suppression operations in Oakland, Bakersfield and San Bernardino. These ongoing regional operations have shown positive results throughout the communities in Alameda, Kern and San Bernardino counties. Working closely with local law enforcement agencies, auto thieves, repeat offenders and organized crime groups have been disrupted, and their activities have been thwarted. As a result of these public safety collaborations, each of these counties saw a significant drop in vehicle thefts in 2024:

• Alameda County: down 18% from 2023 (19,212 thefts)
• Kern County: down 28% from 2023 (6,210 thefts)
• San Bernardino County: down 11% from 2023 (10,116 thefts)

Automobiles are a vital part of daily life for work, school and family. When a vehicle is stolen, it impacts more than just property—it can take away a person’s freedom and sense of security.

Keeping your vehicle safe

Vehicle theft can happen anywhere and to anyone. The CHP encourages drivers to follow these safety tips to help protect their cars:

• Hide or remove valuables from your car
• Lock your doors and roll up all windows
• Park in well-lit, visible areas
• Use anti-theft tools like steering wheel locks or alarms
• Install a GPS tracker or recovery system
• Always turn off your car and take your keys. NEVER leave it running unattended.

Using more than one safety step is best. Each layer adds more protection against theft.

In California, the odds of recovering a stolen vehicle vary significantly depending on location and law enforcement efforts, but recent data offers some insight:

• Statewide Recovery Efforts: In 2025, targeted law enforcement operations in cities like Bakersfield, Oakland, and San Bernardino led to the recovery of 4,842 stolen vehicles out of 6,727 arrests, suggesting a strong focus on vehicle theft recovery 1.
• City-Level Success:
  • Oakland: From January to December 2024, authorities recovered 3,578 stolen vehicles, contributing to a 33% drop in motor vehicle theft 1.
  • Bakersfield: 1,174 stolen vehicles were recovered during the same period 1.
  • San Bernardino: 90 stolen vehicles were recovered since October 2024 1.
• Statewide Theft Volume: California had the highest number of vehicle thefts in the U.S. in 2024, with 181,571 reported cases, despite a 14% year-over-year decrease 2.

While exact recovery rates aren’t published statewide, these figures suggest that recovery rates in targeted enforcement zones can be substantial, especially when technology and inter-agency coordination are involved. However, outside of these zones, recovery odds may be lower.

Here’s a summary of the penalties for auto theft in California as of 2025:

1. Grand Theft Auto (GTA)

• Stealing a vehicle worth more than $950.
• Can be a misdemeanor or felony.
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail.
  • Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail.

2. Petty Theft of a Vehicle

• Vehicle worth $950 or less.
• Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine.
• Can be a felony if the person has prior serious convictions.

3. Joyriding (Unlawful Taking or Driving of a Vehicle)

• Taking a vehicle without permission, even temporarily.
• Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months (if vehicle is worth $950 or less).
• Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years (if vehicle is worth more than $950).
• Aggravated cases: 2, 3, or 4 years.

4. Possession of a Stolen Vehicle

• Can be a misdemeanor or felony.
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 364 days in jail.
  • Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years.

5. Carjacking

• Taking a vehicle by force or fear.
• Felony: 3, 5, or 9 years in state prison.

6. New 2025 Laws (SB 905)

• Unlawful Entry of a Vehicle (PC 465): Breaking into a vehicle with intent to steal.
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year.
  • Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years.
• Automotive Property Theft for Resale (PC 496.5): Possessing stolen vehicle parts worth over $950 with intent to resell.
  • Same penalties as above.