A new study reveals that California has the ninth highest rate of vehicle break-ins during December in the U.S.
The research by Florida-based personal injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed theft from motor vehicle data between 2020 and 2024, sourced from the FBI's Crime Data Explorer (CDE). The average annual theft rates from motor vehicles in December were calculated to identify the top 10 states with the highest rates per 100,000 residents.
California ranks ninth with an average theft from motor vehicle rate in December of 32.3 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 20.8 by 55%. The Golden State reported its five-year high of 17,056 thefts in December 2023 and its lowest of 4,486 thefts in December 2021.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Anidjar & Levine commented,
"The data reveals that states like California reported some of the highest rates of theft from motor vehicles during December in the U.S.
"Vehicle break-ins during the holiday season often result from factors such as increased shopping activity, visible packages left in vehicles, crowded parking lots, and opportunistic theft. These statistics underscore the critical need for heightened awareness and preventive measures during the holiday shopping period.
"While vehicle theft is a persistent issue, communities are advised to take precautions such as removing valuables from plain sight, parking in well-lit areas, using anti-theft devices, and being vigilant in parking lots. Public awareness campaigns and increased law enforcement presence during peak shopping seasons are essential to reducing these crimes and protecting residents' property."
Table of Extended Results:
Top 10 U.S. States With The Highest Theft From Motor Vehicle Rates in December |
U.S. State | Average Theft From Motor Vehicle in December per 100,000 Residents
| Rank |
Florida | 58.2
| 1 |
Colorado | 53.9
| 2 |
Washington | 46.1
| 3 |
New Mexico | 40.3
| 4 |
Nevada | 40.2 | 5 |
Oregon | 35.8 | 6 |
Missouri | 35.2 | 7 |
Hawaii | 34.3 | 8 |
California | 32.3 | 9 |
Tennessee | 30.9 | 10 |
What Holiday Shoppers, Retailers, and Law Enforcement Should Know About December Vehicle Break-Ins
Here's your strategic roadmap:
Personal Vehicle Security and Shopping Strategies
- Remove all packages, shopping bags, and valuables from plain sight immediately after making purchases, storing them in the trunk before leaving the parking lots
- Park in well-lit areas close to store entrances and security cameras, avoiding isolated or dimly lit sections of parking facilities
- Use anti-theft devices, including steering wheel locks, alarm systems, and GPS tracking devices, to deter opportunistic criminals
- Complete all shopping in a single trip when possible to minimize the time packages remain visible in vehicles between multiple stops
- Never leave gift cards, electronics, wallets, purses, or other high-value items visible through vehicle windows, even for brief shopping periods
Understanding December Vehicle Break-In Patterns
- Recognize that December vehicle break-ins spike during peak shopping hours, particularly evenings and weekends when parking lots are most crowded
- Understand that criminals specifically target vehicles in retail parking lots during the holiday season, looking for visible packages and shopping bags
- Be aware that states with elevated December theft rates often have major metropolitan shopping districts with high retail concentration and tourist traffic
- Know that opportunistic thieves operate quickly, breaking vehicle windows in seconds to grab visible valuables before fleeing
- Accept that even brief shopping trips create vulnerability windows when packages are left unattended in vehicles
Advocating for Community-Level Crime Prevention
- Support expanded law enforcement patrols and undercover operations in retail parking areas during December peak shopping periods
- Push for improved parking lot security infrastructure, including additional lighting, security cameras, and emergency call boxes at major shopping centers
- Advocate for public awareness campaigns educating shoppers about vehicle break-in prevention during the holiday season
- Encourage retailers to offer package check services, secure storage lockers, or direct-to-vehicle delivery assistance for holiday shoppers
- Use state-level crime data to target law enforcement resources, retail security investments, and prevention programs in the most vulnerable regions during December
Methodology
The study was conducted by Anidjar & Levine, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to personal injury cases, including serious injuries and wrongful death, and committed to protecting clients' rights and maximizing claim value.
The research analyzed theft from motor vehicle data in December between 2020 and 2024, sourced from the FBI's Crime Data Explorer (CDE). The average annual theft rates from motor vehicles in December were calculated to identify the states with the highest rates per 100,000 residents.
Data Sources
