Vehicle theft has continued to rise in 2023 and is on pace to set a record, according to the latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

NICB — the insurance industry’s not-for-profit association dedicated to predicting, preventing and prosecuting insurance crime — found nearly 500,000 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in the first half of 2023.

That’s an increase of more than 2% from the same period of 2022, which ended with a record 1,037,401 thefts reported to law enforcement. Last year was the first time the U.S. had reached 1 million vehicle thefts since 2008.

“Vehicle thefts increased to record highs in the United States last year, and unfortunately, current trends indicate total thefts this year may surpass 2022,” NICB president and CEO David Glawe said. “With little deterrent to stop these criminal actors, law enforcement agencies and communities will continue to suffer.”

Analyzing data from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), NICB’s report showed an averaged more than 80,000 thefts per month between Jan. 1 and July 1, peaking in May, when 87,993 vehicles were reported stolen.

Vehicle thefts rose 38% in Illinois during the first six months of 2023, the largest increase among the states, with New York (20%) and Ohio (15%) next. California led the nation with 99,769 thefts in the first half of the year – down 2% year-over-year – followed by Texas (55,365), Florida (22,393), Washington (21,182) and Illinois (20,820).

“The good news is there are several proactive and common-sense steps consumers can take to help deter vehicle theft,” Glawe said, “including the most important, which is to never leave your keys or key fob in the car. Always lock the doors and roll up your windows and never leave valuables in plain sight – instead place them in your trunk or out of sight.”

For more anti-theft tips or information, visit NICB.org.