These Colorado Cities See the Highest Auto Theft Rates
Auto theft in Colorado has dropped significantly since peaking in 2022, but that doesn’t mean the problem has disappeared. New data shows vehicle thefts statewide are down about 61% over the past three years, including a 34% decrease from 2024 to 2025 in Northern Colorado, where 1,463 thefts were reported last year.
Despite the encouraging trend, certain cities continue to experience higher-than-average auto theft rates. Law enforcement officials say location, population density, and opportunity all play a role in where thefts are most likely to occur.
Below are the 10 Colorado cities with the highest auto theft activity in 2025, ranked from lowest to highest.
Colorado Cities With the Most Auto Thefts in 2025
10. Littleton
Littleton rounds out the top ten, with theft numbers remaining elevated compared to similarly sized cities.
9. Greeley
Greeley continues to see persistent auto theft issues despite overall statewide improvements.
8. Commerce City
Commerce City ranks eighth, with thefts often tied to busy commercial and industrial areas.
7. Thornton
Thornton lands seventh on the list, remaining one of the higher-risk cities along the Front Range.
6. Lakewood
Lakewood breaks into the top five, reflecting ongoing challenges in the western Denver metro.
5. Pueblo
Pueblo ranks fourth overall, with auto theft remaining a significant concern for residents.
4. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs places third, standing out as one of the largest cities with consistently high theft numbers.
2. Aurora
As Colorado’s third-largest city, Aurora ranks second for vehicle thefts statewide.
1. Denver
Denver tops the list once again, reporting the highest number of stolen vehicles in Colorado.
What Drivers Should Know
Colorado State Patrol told KDVR that while auto thefts are trending downward, drivers should not let their guard down. Officials continue to urge residents to lock vehicles, remove keys, and avoid leaving cars running unattended, even for short periods.
Authorities say prevention remains the most effective defense as thefts, though reduced, are still happening across the state.
