Vehicle Theft Is 'Skyrocketing' Across This California City

The San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles is experiencing a significant increase in automobile thefts, according to a recent report from nonprofit news outlet Crosstown L.A. Per KTLA, the first quarter of 2024 saw a rise of over 28% in auto thefts compared to the same period in 2023, a rate five times higher than the citywide figure. In the first four months of 2024 alone, there were 2,731 vehicle thefts in the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Bureau jurisdiction.

While a reorganization of LAPD crime data has made it difficult to pinpoint the most affected areas, police officials indicate that neighborhoods with a history of victimization continue to be targeted. Specific neighborhoods such as Van Nuys have seen relatively steady theft figures in recent years, while North Hollywood and Pacoima are experiencing higher theft rates than ever before.

Los Angeles, like many major metropolitan areas, has seen a sharp increase in vehicle thefts since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, there were over 25,000 auto thefts across the city, a 64% increase from pre-pandemic numbers. Vehicle thefts in L.A. have increased every year since 2019. In the first four months of 2024, there were 8,043 cars stolen across the city.