Motor Vehicle Theft

The FBI defines motor vehicle theft as the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle is defined by the FBI's UCR Program as a self-propelled vehicle that runs on land surfaces and not on rails. (The taking of a motor vehicle for temporary use by persons having lawful access is excluded from this definition.)

Examples of motor vehicles include:

  • sport utility vehicles
  • automobiles
  • trucks
  • buses
  • motorcycles
  • motor scooters
  • all-terrain vehicles
  • snowmobiles

Motor vehicles do not include:

  • farm equipment
  • bulldozers
  • airplanes
  • construction equipment
  • watercraft such as motorboats, sailboats, houseboats, or jet skis
Stock image of several cars--red, black, silver, gray, and white--in a parking lot.

Impact of motor vehicle theft

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration "motor vehicle theft is a crime that costs Americans more than $8 billion per year

Motor theft vs. carjacking

Carjacking is a violent crime, while motor vehicle theft is a property crime.

Carjacking is a federal offense. It is illegal to take someone else's motor vehicle that had been transported, shipped, or received in interstate or foreign commerce; from the person or presence of another; intending to cause serious bodily harm or death by force, violence, or intimidation. 

How is the FBI investigating these crimes?

The FBI works vehicle theft cases through collaboration with the private sector and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Carjacking cases are investigated as violent crime.

How to protect yourself

NICB and NHTSA provided the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

  • Park in well-lit areas.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
  • Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk.
  • Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
  • Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.

Resources 


How to report vehicle theft to the FBI 

If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately. Reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.

    • Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
    • File a police report with your local or state law enforcement agencies.
    • Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
    • Submit a tip online at ic3.gov or tips.fbi.gov.

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