CHICAGO — Auto theft in Chicago is finally slowing down — with a 35% decline in the first four months of 2025, according to new CPD data. But while the crisis triggered by Kia and Hyundai thefts appears under control, authorities are now confronting a new challenge: organized criminal rings targeting high-end SUVs like Lexus, Jeep, and Dodge.
The shift is reshaping the city’s auto theft landscape. Experts say the stolen vehicles aren’t just disappearing — they’re being used in violent follow-up crimes like robberies, carjackings, and ATM thefts.
Auto Thefts Down 35% in 2025 — A Major Turnaround
Between January 1 and May 4, 2025, Chicago recorded just over 5,000 motor vehicle thefts, down from more than 8,000 during the same time in 2024 — a 3,000-theft drop, or 35% year-over-year.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” said Cmdr. Andrew Costello, who oversees CPD’s Central Intelligence Division. “We’re all part of this city — and many of our officers and families have been victims too.”
This early 2025 drop builds on a 27% year-over-year decline in 2024, when thefts fell to 23,135 after peaking at 31,565 in 2023 — the highest in over a decade.
2023 Crisis Fueled by Kia & Hyundai Thefts Now Under Control
The surge in auto thefts between 2022 and 2023 was largely driven by TikTok-fueled exploits of Kia and Hyundai models that lacked engine immobilizers. Social media tutorials enabled quick hot-wiring with a USB cable, making those cars easy targets.
Chart data shows:
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Kia thefts jumped from ~400 in 2021 to 7,000+ in 2023
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Hyundai thefts spiked from ~500 to 8,000+ during the same period
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Combined, the two brands made up 15,000+ thefts in 2023 — nearly half of all vehicles stolen
In response, the automakers:
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Rolled out free anti-theft software updates
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Sent over 1 million steering wheel locks
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Partnered with law enforcement and AAA insurers
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Opened mobile service centers in cities like Chicago
These efforts helped cut Kia-Hyundai thefts by nearly 50% in 2024.
New Trend: High-End SUVs Are Now Thieves’ Favorite Targets
With basic sedans now harder to steal, criminals are shifting focus to rugged, fast, and high-value vehicles — especially those with resale potential or utility in crimes.
CBS Chicago data shows:
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Lexus thefts rose 155% in 2024, with over 400 units stolen — a 10-year high
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Jeep thefts increased 28%, reaching 1,700+ units
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Dodge vehicles saw a 6% rise, with 1,500+ stolen, particularly Chargers and Durangos
“We’re seeing these vehicles used in follow-up crimes — they ram storefronts or help commit robberies,” said Lt. Adam Broshous of the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force (ISATT).
“It’s not just a chop shop operation anymore. These are tools for larger criminal networks,” added Glen Brooks, CPD’s community policing deputy.
Police Response: Tech + Task Forces = Results
Key improvements behind the theft drop include:
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License Plate Readers (LPRs) placed at major intersections
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Deployment of CPD helicopters to track fleeing stolen vehicles
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143 vehicles recovered, 85 criminal charges filed, and 16 guns seized so far in 2025 by ISATT
CPD is also promoting youth engagement and prevention, recognizing that many car theft suspects are under 18.
“If we can engage youth, secure property better, and strengthen neighborhoods, we’ll reduce these numbers further,” Brooks said.
Still Not Time To Celebrate: Thefts Remain 107% Higher Than 2021
While trends are heading in the right direction, 2024’s total vehicle thefts were still double what they were in 2021 — highlighting how deep the impact of the Kia-Hyundai crisis was and how slowly recovery plays out.
Officials say efforts must continue across:
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Community education
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Software upgrades
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Neighborhood watch initiatives
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Insurance partnerships
Do You Drive a Lexus, Jeep, or Dodge?
Have you taken any extra precautions in Chicago? Share your story, tips, or questions with the local community at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
