Louisiana Automobile Theft Statistics
In Louisiana, as is the case throughout the country, there is an epidemic of vehicle theft and related criminal activity. Vehicle theft is more than just a nuisance crime, and it is not just about a piece of property. Criminals often steal vehicles in order to facilitate other crimes or for profit. Professional thieves often operate “chop shops” where stolen vehicles are stripped and component parts are sold to unsuspecting buyers or unscrupulous auto repair shops. This fraud is exacerbated when these unscrupulous auto repair shops submit repair bills to insurance companies showing they used original equipment manufacturer parts when, in fact, the parts used were obtained from a “chop shop.” A criminal may also try to conceal a stolen vehicle’s identidy by “VIN-switching” with wrecked or salvaged vehicles and then selling the stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. This activity, and the criminal acts that are facilitated through vehicle theft, accounts for significant economic loss in our community and affects the quality of life for our citizens.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Report, there were more than 1.1 million motor vehicle thefts in the United States in 2007, with an estimated value of approximately $7.4 billion dollars. In Louisiana, there were 15,180 vehicles reported stolen, ranking Louisiana 21st in the nation in actual number of vehicles stolen.
The report also indicates that the nationwide motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 363.3. In Louisiana, the theft rate per 100,000 inhabitants decreased from 364.8 in 2006 to 353.6 in 2007.
According to the FBI 2007 Uniform Crime Report, New Orleans was ranked highest in Louisiana for motor vehicle theft offenses known to law enforcement, reporting 3,190 motor vehicle thefts. Baton Rouge was next, reporting 1,179 motor vehicle thefts in 2007. Ranked third in motor vehicle theft offenses known to law enforcement was Shreveport, reporting 1,101 motor vehicle thefts.
Motor Vehicle Theft in Louisiana by State (2006/2007)
Motor Vehicle Theft in Louisiana by Metropolitan Statistical Area (2007)