The number of automobile thefts throughout Riverside County plunged 24% last year, while the county’s Sheriff’s Department ranked fourth among agencies successfully recovering stolen vehicles statewide, according to statistics released on Wednesday, July 23, by the California Highway Patrol.
Countywide, there were 7,648 reported auto thefts in 2024, compared to 10,109 the year before.
The decline dovetailed with downward trends across California, where the total theft count last year was 176,230, compared to 202,936 in 2023, a roughly 13% drop.
It was the first statewide year-over-year decrease since 2019.
“We are proud to see fewer vehicles being stolen across the state,” CHP 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 vehicles reported stolen countywide in 2024, 6,509 were recovered, though there was no mention in the report regarding how many were damaged.
The CHP said the majority of vehicles reported stolen last year in California comprised SUVs and light pickup trucks — 43%. Cars made up 39% of the sum, with commercial trucks and trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, construction and farm equipment comprising the balance.
In the category of pickups and SUVs, the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado was No. 1. Among cars, the 2015 Kia Optima was thieves top target.
In all, the estimated value of the vehicles stolen in 2024 was $1.56 billion, the CHP said.