Vehicles are parked at an assembly plant on Chicago's Far South Side in 2017.
Auto thefts rose 55% in Chicago last year, topping every other city as part of an ongoing pandemic-fueled nationwide increase in reported stolen vehicles, according to data released Wednesday by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.Nationwide, thefts were up 7%, surpassing 1 million stolen vehicles for the first time since 2008.
Chicago had 21,516 reported auto thefts in 2022, up from 13,856 the previous year. Glawe said those totals, received from the National Crime Information Center, include the full spectrum of auto theft, from driving off in unattended vehicles toAuto theft has been increasing during the pandemic, driven by supply chain issues, and the rising value of used cars and parts, Glawe said.
“There is a high demand for used cars and a low supply,” Glawe said. “The car parts in these vehicles are also sought after.”, for example, is up 1200% over the last three years, Glawe said. The catalytic converter contains valuable precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum, which can fetch hundreds of dollars in resale on the black market.A social media trend may also be fueling a rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles.
Test Drives
And that's why they drive the way they drive after all the car is stolen (be careful)
Is this why my insurance tripled?
Hyundai and kias!
Also, so. Many. Kias.
Thank you black America