Vehicle Theft Down 21% in First Half of 2026, NICB Says

What happened

Vehicle theft is falling again. The National Insurance Crime Bureau, or NICB, tracks stolen vehicles for the insurance industry. Its new numbers show thefts dropped 21% across the US in the first half of 2026. That compares January to June 2026 with the same months of 2025. Carrier Management shared the report on Oct. 1.

There were 268,415 vehicle thefts reported in those six months. That is about 78 thefts for every 100,000 people. Every one of the 50 states had fewer thefts than a year before.

Texas saw big drops too. The Houston area had 10,008 thefts, down 18%. That was still the fourth-highest total of any metro in the country. The Dallas-Fort Worth area was down 30%.

Not every city improved. The Chicago area went up 2%.

What it means for owner-operators

Fewer stolen vehicles is good news for everyone who drives for a living. Theft is one of the risks insurers look at when they set prices. A long drop is a healthy sign for the whole market.

But keep it in perspective. The report counts all vehicles. It does not give separate numbers for semi trucks, trailers or cargo. Cargo theft is a different crime, and it is still a real risk on the road.

Houston is also still near the top of the list. If you park in the Houston area, the risk has not gone away.

What to do next

• Park in lit, fenced or watched lots when you can.
• Lock the cab every time, even for a short stop. Never leave the keys inside.
• Use a kingpin lock or glad-hand lock on a dropped trailer.
• Write down your VIN numbers and keep photos of your truck and trailer.
• Know what your policy covers if your truck or trailer is stolen. Our guide to truck insurance coverage explains the main types in plain words.
• Questions about your coverage? Call us.