When you think of Washington D.C., images of monuments, museums, and political power likely come to mind.
But the nation's capital holds another, far less prestigious distinction: it has the highest rate of car theft in the entire country. It experiences vehicle thefts at nearly four times the national average, which is approximately 373 thefts per 100,000 residents, says NICB. But how did this happen and what is the city doing to combat this growing problem? Let's dive in.
The Nation's Capital Tops An Unfortunate List
It wasn't always this way by the way. Back in 2019, D.C. reported just 2,186 motor vehicle thefts. But something changed dramatically after 2020. By 2023, that number had exploded to 6,773 stolen vehicles—a staggering surge that left residents shocked and law enforcement scrambling. The city experienced an 82% increase between 2022 and 2023 alone, with certain neighborhoods seeing cars vanish from driveways and parking spots at an alarming pace.
While recent data shows some improvement, with thefts dropping by some percent in 2025, the problem remains severe enough that D.C. continues to lead the nation after Puerto Rico in per-capita car theft rates.
Why Thieves Love D.C.
Several factors have converged to make Washington D.C. a prime hunting ground for car thieves. The city's urban density creates countless opportunities—crowded parking lots, street parking in residential areas, and vehicles left unattended near Metro stations provide easy targets. During the pandemic, experts noted that cars sat unattended for longer periods while owners worked from home, creating more privacy for thieves to operate without surveillance.
But perhaps the biggest catalyst was a social media phenomenon known as the "Kia Boyz" trend. Starting in 2021 and spreading nationally through TikTok videos, thieves learned they could steal certain Hyundai and Kia models using nothing more than a USB cable and a screwdriver. These vehicles lacked immobilizing anti-theft devices that prevent cars from starting without the correct key fob.
The city's location also plays a role. Major highways and interstates provide quick escape routes for thieves to transport stolen vehicles to chop shops or move them out of state entirely. And unlike violent crimes, car theft often receives fewer law enforcement resources, making it a lower-risk criminal enterprise.
Fighting Back Against The Epidemic
Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos on Wikimedia
D.C. officials haven't been sitting idle. Mayor Muriel Bowser launched creative initiatives, including distributing free Apple AirTags and Tiles to residents in high-theft areas so stolen vehicles could be tracked. Police partnered with Hyundai to upgrade over 1,100 vulnerable vehicles with anti-theft software.
These efforts appear to be working. Car thefts have decreased substantially from their 2023 peak, though the rate remains far above pre-pandemic levels. Authorities continue urging residents to take basic precautions: lock doors immediately upon entering vehicles, never leave engines running while unattended, and park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
For now, Washington D.C. residents live with an uncomfortable reality—their city may be the seat of American power, but it's also the car theft capital of the nation.
