Albuquerque was #1 for car theft.
It's not done yet.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Albuquerque Police Department (data as of Sep 15, 2026)
Albuquerque has a long history with vehicle theft. In 2016 the metro area had the highest theft rate in the country, and the city lost around 10,000 vehicles a year. Albuquerque police say that fell to fewer than 4,000 in 2025, and FBI data for APD shows 3,260 thefts reported in 2025, down from 5,721 the year before.
The drop came from targeted enforcement. In 2025 APD's auto theft unit made 227 arrests, activated bait cars 42 times for 45 arrests, and used Grappler pursuit-ending devices 25 times.
Enforcement catches thieves after the fact. Titan works before: when it's armed, it won't start or move, and the owner is alerted the moment someone tries.
- 20235,780
- 20245,721
- 20253,260
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Albuquerque Police Department (data as of Sep 15, 2026)
What theft looks like in Albuquerque.
APD's auto theft unit made 227 arrests in 2025. Bait cars were activated 42 times, leading to 45 arrests, and officers deployed Grappler devices 25 times.
Source: Albuquerque Police Department, 2025 auto theft results
Albuquerque went from roughly 10,000 stolen vehicles a year in 2016 to fewer than 4,000 in 2025, according to APD.
Source: Albuquerque Police Department, 2025 auto theft results
The Albuquerque metro ranked 6th nationally in 2022 with a rate of 795 thefts per 100,000 residents, after ranking 1st in 2016.
Source: NICB Hot Spots report
Bernalillo County and the city adopted ordinances to curb the trade in stolen catalytic converters, alongside the state's SB 133.
Source: KUNM, April 27, 2023
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 law applies in Albuquerque.
- NM Sentencing Commission, motor vehicle theft offenses
- New Mexico Legislature, SB 133 (2023)
- KUNM, April 27, 2023
Prevention for every kind of owner.
Dealerships
Through the NMIADA partnership, Albuquerque dealers can arm every unit on the lot and sell Titan with the car.
Titan for dealersDrivers & owners
Albuquerque thieves target trucks and popular sedans for parts and resale. Titan keeps yours where you parked it.
How drivers get TitanFleets & equipment
Contractor trucks and equipment across the metro are exposed overnight. Titan stops unauthorized starts and reports tamper.
Titan for fleetsRental operators
Airport-area rental lots are a known target. Titan arms units between bookings.
Titan for rentalNearby service areas.
Local help in Albuquerque.
Report a stolen vehicle to local police right away; your insurer will ask for the report number.
- Albuquerque Police Department Report a stolen vehicle and follow the auto theft unit's results.
- NMIADA New Mexico Independent Automobile Dealers Association, Titan Secure partner.
- 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 Albuquerque: your questions.
Is car theft still high in Albuquerque?
It's much lower than it was. APD says the city went from about 10,000 stolen cars a year in 2016 to fewer than 4,000 in 2025, and FBI data shows 3,260 thefts reported to APD in 2025. That is still around nine a day.
What are APD bait cars?
Vehicles police leave as lures, fitted to be tracked and disabled. In 2025 APD activated bait cars 42 times, leading to 45 arrests.
What is a Grappler?
A device fitted to a police vehicle that snares a fleeing car's rear tire to end a pursuit. APD deployed Grapplers 25 times in 2025.
Can I get Titan through my dealer in Albuquerque?
Many NMIADA member dealers offer Titan. Ask your dealer, or contact us and we'll point you to one or arrange an integration.
Further reading.
Auto Theft in Albuquerque Is Organized
Albuquerque consistently ranks among the highest auto-theft cities in the United States. Every day, vehicles are stolen from driveways, apartments,…
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…
They got the car back… but what happened in it?
When a vehicle is stolen, it’s not just property that goes missing. It’s peace of mind. It’s the comfort of knowing your loved ones are safe when they’re…
Your Car Can Be Stolen in Under 60 Seconds — Here’s How to Stop It
Car thieves are faster and more sophisticated than ever—many can steal a vehicle in under 60 seconds using high-tech tools and relay attacks. Standard…
GPS Tracking Is Useless If Your Car’s Already Gone
Relying on GPS tracking alone to recover stolen vehicles? Think again. By the time thieves disable the system or move your car to a hidden location, it’s…
Stop theft in Albuquerque 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.