California car thefts plummet 25% statewide, Imperial County numbers hold steady
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – As National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month comes to a close this July, new data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reveals a massive 25% drop in vehicle thefts across the Golden State.
However, local law enforcement warns that the positive statewide trend is hitting a wall in Imperial County.
According to the CHP’s 2025 Vehicle Theft Fact Sheet, car thieves stole 133,372 vehicles statewide last year, averaging one theft every four minutes.
While that total is a substantial decrease from the 176,230 vehicles stolen in 2024, the numbers in Imperial County refused to budge. Local thefts held flat, shifting only slightly from 458 cases in 2024 to 456 in 2025.
State officials credit California’s overall decline to aggressive, state-funded crime suppression operations deployed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.)
Targeted enforcement operations utilizing specialized CHP teams helped drive major reductions in several counties last year.
While urban areas saw massive improvements, Imperial County’s unique border geography presents a distinct challenge that state suppression operations cannot easily wipe away.
“We’ve definitely seen a lot of the big trucks being stolen—Silverados, F-150s, the Jeeps…Jeep Wrangler and Gladiators,” said Capt. Ernesto Ruedas with CHP. “Those are big targets, and being so close to the border, we are a target because those vehicles end up in Mexico…a lot of them end up in Mexico.”
Investigators state that organized crime groups target these specific models for their powerful engines and rugged capabilities.
The vehicles are frequently used to cross rough border terrain to transport illegal narcotics or smuggled people. Once a vehicle crosses the international boundary line, owners rarely see them returned intact.
“Unfortunately, these vehicles are stolen sometimes to commit other crimes,” Capt. Ruedas warned. “You’re probably not gonna find your truck or your vehicle in the same condition that you left it.”
Despite the stagnant theft rates, local law enforcement teams are finding significantly more success in tracking down stolen property within Imperial County.
Vehicle recoveries within the county jumped an impressive 23.2% last year. Officers successfully tracked down 297 stolen vehicles in 2025, compared to just 241 recoveries the previous year.
Statewide, the CHP boasts an 84% recovery rate, with more than half of those 111,661 recovered vehicles returned to their rightful owners in drivable condition.
“Approximately 84% of the vehicles stolen, we do end up finding in some capacity,” Ruedas said. “The goal is to not have it happen at all, though.”
Law enforcement officials emphasize that car theft is overwhelmingly a crime of opportunity, taking a thief mere seconds to complete.
Drivers are urged to maintain strict security habits as the calendar turns to August.
The CHP recommends the following key prevention steps:
Never leave a vehicle running or unattended, even for a quick errand. Always lock your doors and roll up windows completely. Never leave keys or key fobs inside or hidden underneath the vehicle. Keep valuables out of sight, including wallets, electronics, purses, and firearms. Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas whenever possible. Utilize visible anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks or GPS trackers.
If you witness a theft in progress, Ruedas reminds residents to follow the “Golden Rule” of safety: If you see something, say something.
“Immediately call 9-1-1,” Ruedas said. “Don’t get involved, but be a good witness and give us as much information as possible. The vehicle make, model, the color…the license plate if you can catch it. If you have a second to take a picture or video of the vehicle and suspect, fantastic.”
If your vehicle has already been taken, report it to local police or the CHP immediately. Ensure you have your license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and a precise vehicle description ready to upload into the statewide stolen vehicle system.
“The California Highway Patrol is committed to keeping our communities safe, but preventing vehicle theft starts with each of us,” Ruedas said. “Lock it, take your keys, hide your valuables, and help us keep Imperial County safe.”
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