New Mexico still ranks high.
Its dealers are fighting back.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, motor vehicle theft (data as of Sep 15, 2026)
For a state of about two million people, New Mexico loses a lot of vehicles. NICB put its 2024 theft rate at 458 per 100,000 residents, third highest of any state. FBI data for 2025 shows 6,676 thefts statewide, a rate of 334 per 100,000, still well above Washington, Arizona or Idaho.
The direction is good: NICB reported New Mexico's thefts down 31% in 2025. State law treats theft and receiving stolen vehicles as felonies (NMSA 30-16D), and SB 133 (2023) tightened the sale of catalytic converters.
The New Mexico Independent Automobile Dealers Association has partnered with Titan Secure so dealers can protect inventory and send every buyer home with a car that won't drive away without them.
- Washington, DC698.3
- Nevada400.9
- New Mexico334.3
- California317.4
- Washington258.8
- Texas250.9
- Arizona183.3
- Idaho53.8
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, motor vehicle theft (data as of Sep 15, 2026)
What theft looks like in New Mexico.
New Mexico's vehicle theft rate was 458.24 per 100,000 in 2024, the 3rd highest of any state.
NICB reported New Mexico's vehicle thefts down 31% in 2025.
Albuquerque police say the city went from about 10,000 stolen cars a year in 2016 to fewer than 4,000 in 2025.
Source: Albuquerque Police Department, 2025 auto theft results
The Albuquerque metro had the worst vehicle theft rate in the country in 2016 and was still 6th in 2022, at 795 per 100,000.
Source: NICB Hot Spots report
Is your car a likely target?
Four questions, checked against the most-stolen vehicle list for the U.S. and the theft methods we see most.
Most-stolen list: NICB, 2025 U.S. vehicle theft report
Answer the four questions to see which known theft risk factors apply to your vehicle. Nothing is stored or sent.
What one theft costs you.
Insurance rarely makes you whole. Put in your own numbers to see the out-of-pocket cost of a single theft.
Starting values are examples. Replace them with your own; check your policy for rental reimbursement and personal-property limits.
Your cost of one theft
Before any premium change at renewal, which varies by insurer and state.
New Mexico rules worth knowing.
Under NMSA 30-16D, unlawfully taking a vehicle, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle and altering VINs are typically fourth-degree felonies, and operating a chop shop is a third-degree felony.
Source: NM Sentencing Commission, motor vehicle theft offenses
SB 133 (2023) requires secondhand metal dealers to get records and proof of ownership before buying a catalytic converter.
Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque passed their own ordinances on the trade in catalytic converters.
Source: KUNM, April 27, 2023
Prevention for every kind of owner.
Dealerships
NMIADA members can put Titan on every unit through our partnership, protecting the lot and adding value at sale.
Titan for dealersDrivers & owners
In a state with one of the highest theft rates, a car that won't move without you is worth more than a tracker that finds it later.
How drivers get TitanFleets & equipment
Ranch, construction and oilfield equipment sits on remote sites across the state. Titan stops unauthorized starts wherever it's parked.
Titan for fleetsRental operators
Rental units in Albuquerque and Santa Fe sit in exposed lots. Titan arms them between bookings.
Titan for rentalWhere we work in New Mexico
Local help in New Mexico.
Report a stolen vehicle to local police right away; your insurer will ask for the report number.
- Albuquerque Police Department Auto theft unit news, bait-car program and reporting.
- NM Sentencing Commission, vehicle theft paper How New Mexico charges and sentences vehicle theft.
- NICB VINCheck Free check of whether a VIN has been reported stolen or salvaged before you buy.
- NHTSA recall lookup Check a VIN for open recalls, including the Hyundai and Kia anti-theft software update.
Vehicle theft in New Mexico: your questions.
Does New Mexico have a high car theft rate?
Yes. NICB ranked New Mexico 3rd among states in 2024 at 458 thefts per 100,000 residents. FBI data shows 6,676 thefts in 2025, a rate of 334 per 100,000, down sharply but still high for the state's size.
Is auto theft a felony in New Mexico?
Yes. Under NMSA 30-16D, unlawfully taking a vehicle, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle and altering a VIN are typically fourth-degree felonies; running a chop shop is a third-degree felony.
What is the NMIADA partnership?
The New Mexico Independent Automobile Dealers Association partnered with Titan Secure so member dealers can protect their inventory and offer Titan to buyers.
Where does Titan Secure work in New Mexico?
Albuquerque, Las Cruces and the surrounding areas, through participating dealers and directly with fleets. Contact us about other parts of the state.
Further reading.
NMIADA and Titan Secure USA Unite to End Auto Theft Before It Starts
At Titan Secure USA, we’re not just building technology we’re driving change. That’s why we’re proud to announce our exclusive partnership with the New…
When a Sheriff Rings the Alarm and Endorses a GPS Security System
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen tested Titan Secure in bait-vehicle operations and says it goes far beyond conventional GPS-based systems.
The Most Dangerous Thing About Vehicle Theft? Business Disruption
When most businesses think about vehicle theft, they picture broken windows, forced entry, damaged locks, and criminals driving away with valuable assets.…
Why Smart Fleet Operators Choose Prevention Over Recovery
Every minute your vehicle is off the road, your business is losing money. It’s not just about replacing a stolen truck or filing an insurance claim. It’s…
The Dealership Advantage: How Forward-Thinking Dealers Are Ending Vehicle Theft for Good
Car thieves are getting smarter, and unfortunately, many dealership anti-theft systems aren’t keeping up. Outdated security measures leave vehicles…
Stop theft in New Mexico before it starts.
Titan keeps the vehicle from moving, key or no key, and alerts you when someone tries. Tell us what you protect and we'll take it from there.