Federal Way cut thefts by 79%.
And kept cutting in 2026.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Federal Way Police Department (data as of Sep 15, 2026)
FBI data for the Federal Way Police Department shows 2,281 vehicle thefts in 2023, 1,105 in 2024 and 472 in 2025. City figures reported by KIRO 7 show motor vehicle theft down another 54% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period of 2025.
Police Chief Andy Hwang ties the drop to policy as well as policing. He says the 2021 limits on police pursuits left people feeling emboldened to steal vehicles, and credits the June 2024 update to the state's pursuit law and steady increases in staffing with reversing the trend. He also notes that stolen vehicles are often used in robberies, smash-and-grab burglaries and attempts to elude police. Federal Way sits within the area of the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force, which works South King County and all of Pierce County.
Pursuits, arrests and recoveries all start after a car is gone. Titan works before any of that: when it's armed, the vehicle won't start or move, so there's no chase to start and nothing to recover.
- 20232,281
- 20241,105
- 2025472
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Federal Way Police Department (data as of Sep 15, 2026)
What theft looks like in Federal Way.
Federal Way police records obtained by the Federal Way Mirror show auto theft reports peaked at 1,722 in 2023 and fell to 422 in 2025, the lowest since 2019.
Source: Federal Way Mirror, Apr 11, 2026
Chief Andy Hwang says the June 2024 update to Washington's pursuit law helped reverse the auto theft trend, and that stolen vehicles are often used in robberies, smash-and-grab burglaries and attempts to elude police.
Source: Federal Way Mirror, Apr 11, 2026
Motor vehicle theft in Federal Way fell 54% in the first half of 2026 compared with the first half of 2025.
Source: KIRO 7, Jul 14, 2026
The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force, which works South King County and all of Pierce County, recovered 333 vehicles worth $7.33 million in 2025. Its cases include VIN swapping, title fraud and international export schemes.
Source: Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority, 2025 annual 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.
Washington law applies in Federal Way.
Prevention for every kind of owner.
Dealerships
The regional task force works VIN-swap and title fraud cases across South King County. Titan arms dealer stock after hours so it stays on the lot.
Titan for dealersDrivers & owners
Federal Way police advise locking up, never leaving keys in the car and parking in well-lit areas. Titan adds a block on the car moving if a thief gets past all three.
How drivers get TitanFleets & equipment
Chief Hwang says stolen vehicles in Federal Way are often used in robberies and smash-and-grab burglaries. Titan keeps your vans and trucks out of that.
Titan for fleetsRental operators
Stolen vehicles in Federal Way have been used to flee police. Titan keeps a rental unit from moving outside the rules you set.
Titan for rentalNearby service areas.
Local help in Federal Way.
Report a stolen vehicle to local police right away; your insurer will ask for the report number.
- Federal Way Police Department, file a report online Vehicle thefts can't be filed online. Call 911 in an emergency or 253-835-2121 for non-emergencies.
- Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force WATPA-funded task force covering South King County and Pierce County.
- Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Funds the regional task force and statewide prevention.
- 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 Federal Way: your questions.
Is car theft going down in Federal Way?
Yes. FBI data for the Federal Way Police Department shows 2,281 vehicle thefts in 2023, 1,105 in 2024 and 472 in 2025, a fall of about 79% in two years. City figures show a further 54% drop in the first half of 2026.
Why did car theft fall so fast in Federal Way?
Police Chief Andy Hwang points to the June 2024 update to Washington's pursuit law and steady increases in staffing. He says the 2021 pursuit limits had left people feeling emboldened to steal vehicles.
How do I report a stolen car in Federal Way?
Not online: the city's online reporting excludes vehicle thefts and attempted thefts, license plates and firearms. Call 911 in an emergency or 253-835-2121 for the non-emergency line. A theft from a vehicle can be filed online.
Is a GPS tracker enough?
Federal Way police suggest a car alarm or GPS tracker alongside locking up and parking in well-lit areas. A tracker helps find a car after it's gone. Titan stops it going: when it's armed, the vehicle won't start or move.
Further reading.
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…
The Hidden Price of Auto Theft
Every 32 seconds, a vehicle is stolen in the U.S. While insurance might cover the headline loss, what most drivers don’t realize is how deeply auto theft…
Your Business Assets Are Already Being Watched
Every 32 seconds, somewhere in the world, a vehicle disappears. Not because a business was careless, failed to secure its premises, or simply had bad…
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 Federal Way 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.