Motor Vehicle Theft by State 2009-2010 Report

Motor Vehicle Theft in Louisiana by Metropolitan Statistical Area

Motor Vehicle Theft in Louisiana by City

Top ten stolen vehicles in LA in 2010 according to the NICB

Vehicle theft is more than just a nuisance crime, and it is not just about a piece of property. Criminals often steal vehicles in order to facilitate other crimes or for profit. Professional thieves often operate “chop shops” where stolen vehicles are stripped and component parts are sold to unsuspecting buyers or unscrupulous auto repair shops. This fraud is exacerbated when these unscrupulous auto repair shops submit repair bills to insurance companies showing they used original equipment manufacturer parts when, in fact, the parts used were obtained from a “chop shop.” A criminal may also try to conceal a stolen vehicle´s identity by “VIN-switching” with wrecked or salvaged vehicles and then selling the stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. This activity, and the criminal acts that are facilitated through vehicle theft, accounts for significant economic loss in our community and affects the quality of life for our citizens.

According to the 2010 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Report, there were 737,142 motor vehicle thefts nationwide. The estimated number of motor vehicle thefts declined 14.6 percent when compared with data in 2009. Nearly $4.5 billion was lost to vehicle thefts in 2010, with an average dollar loss per vehicle of $6,152. In 2010, Louisiana reported 9,893 stolen vehicles, which reflects a 14.6 percent decrease from 2000, ranking Louisiana 23rd in the nation in actual number of vehicles stolen.

The report also indicates that the nationwide motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 238.8. In Louisiana, the theft rate per 100,000 inhabitants decreased from 258.0 in 2009 to 218.2 in 2010, a reduction of 15.4 percent.

According to the FBI 2009 Uniform Crime Report, New Orleans was ranked highest in Louisiana for motor vehicle theft offenses known to law enforcement, reporting 2,410 motor vehicle thefts. Shreveport was next, reporting 526 motor vehicle thefts in 2010. Ranked third in motor vehicle theft offenses known to law enforcement in Louisiana was Lafayette, reporting 290 motor vehicle thefts. Baton Rouge reported, unofficially, 849 vehicles stolen in 2010.

Report to the Legislature Fiscal Year 2010-2011

Report to the Legislature Fiscal Year 2009-2010

Report to the Legislature Fiscal Year 2008-2009