DMV recovered $8.6 million in stolen cars in 2023

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — As the state increases efforts to crack down on car thefts, DMV investigators recovered 286 stolen cars valued at nearly $8.6 million and $152,000 in stolen auto parts in 2023. This is nearly twice the amount of parts that were recovered in 2022.

Gov. Kathy Hochul initiated a five-point plan called the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy (CARS) to combat the increase in auto thefts in New York. This campaign includes:

• $5 million toward prevention programs for teens and young adults in the most impacted areas across the state
• New York State Police has increased enforcement in high-theft areas
• District attorneys will receive federal help in prosecuting a large number of cases
• New York launched a new website to provide resources and education to help New Yorkers take precautions against auto theft
• The governor and NYS DMV sent a letter to New Yorkers owning a Kia or Hyundai warning them of the increase in theft of their specific cars
  • The letter advises the owners of these cars of free tools available to prevent their cars from being stolen

According to the state, car thefts increased 67% across New York in 2023, excluding New York City. The National Insurance Crime Bureau released a list of tips on how to prevent auto theft for those concerned with the safety of their cars.