PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — For the second straight year, auto theft has declined by 3% in Pennsylvania from 2024 to 2025, according to the Pennsylvania Unified Crime Reporting system.
The crime appears to have declined in the counties of Berks, Bucks, Delaware, and Lehigh, while holding steady at low rates in all other counties. Philadelphia County rose by 4% and accounts for 68% of carjacking in the state.
Steve Wheeler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority, credits the decrease to anti-theft task forces, improved vehicle security and community attention.
“Social-media inspired thefts of Kia and Hyundai models declined after the manufacturers provided some fixes and law enforcement agencies clamped down with targeted campaigns,” Wheeler said. “And, we also know it really matters when drivers in all communities take precautions to prevent theft on a daily basis.”
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Some measures Pennsylvanians can take to prevent car theft are never leaving a vehicle unlocked, unattended, or running, and parking strategically in well-lit, high-traffic areas with cameras.
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