As the first half of 2026 comes to a close, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) is excited to report a significant decline in vehicle thefts according to the Auto Crimes Tracking (ACT) database. The ACT database shows a 24% decrease in year-to-date thefts compared with the first half of 2025. The following graph shows that in 2025, five of the first six months saw vehicle thefts exceeding 1,100 per month, for a total of 6,959 thefts. For the first six months of 2026, only one month shows thefts exceeding 900, with a total of 5,276.
The Chevrolet Silverado remains the #1 stolen vehicle in Arizona. Kia and Hyundai models claim the remaining four positions in the top five. When comparing the top five stolen vehicles for the first half of 2025 and 2026, the models remain the same, though the order differs slightly. While the Hyundai Sonata moved up to the #3 spot this year, it has fewer total thefts than last year, as do the remaining vehicles in the top five.
Examining the areas where vehicles are stolen most often, most zip codes show significant decreases in auto theft. Here is a look at the top five zip codes where vehicles are being stolen. Notably, vehicle thefts around the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport area (85034) have increased significantly, with a 65% spike in the first six months compared to last year.
| 2026 ZIPS | Total | 2025 ZIPS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85034 | 216 | 85301 | 162 |
| 85009 | 121 | 85009 | 161 |
| 85705 | 105 | 85705 | 151 |
| 85301 | 100 | 85034 | 131 |
| 85051 | 96 | 85035 | 122 |
The good news is that the Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) have recently made arrests following a criminal investigation into an organized theft ring. Over 100 vehicles are reported to be stolen by this theft ring operating around Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
This case serves as a reminder that thieves are always looking for a weak point and are dedicated to stealing Arizona cars and creating Arizona victims. A small group of thieves can have a significant economic impact on Arizona and negatively affect Arizona families. Whether they are stealing these vehicles for profit or using them to commit subsequent crimes, Arizona law enforcement and its citizens must remain vigilant.
The AATA uses the ACT database to track Arizona automobile theft and recovery statistics and trends. ACT is paid for and maintained by the AATA, which provides free access to Arizona law enforcement officers and law enforcement criminal analysts. This database allows state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to view vehicle theft and recovery information for their communities. The ACT database also enables the AATA to examine local and statewide trends across Arizona. For an overall look at where vehicles in Arizona are stolen, we have included a statewide map showing every vehicle theft for the first six months of 2026.
