These 4 California counties saw the biggest decline in vehicle thefts last year

Vehicle thefts in California fell again in 2025, helped by ongoing work between the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement, according to CHP figures. San Bernardino County saw a 23.3% drop last year, while Riverside County declined 21.4%. The four counties with the biggest declines were Alameda (-36.1%), Kern (-31.4%), San Bernardino (-23.3%) and San Diego (-25.7%). Statewide, 133,372 vehicles were stolen in 2025, about 25% fewer than the 176,230 stolen in 2024. The CHP said 84% of stolen vehicles were recovered, and over half were returned in drivable condition, with others burned, wrecked, or stripped of parts.