In a surprising twist, auto thefts in San Diego are on the decline, but certain vehicles are still getting a lot of unwanted attention from thieves. In 2025, 4,261 vehicles were reported stolen, down from 5,447 in 2024—a notable 22% drop. Yet, amidst this good news, some models have become thieves’ favorites, particularly Toyota Tacomas and newer Jeeps, which have seen a spike in thefts.

Detective Stephen Kitcko from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department noted that while many thefts occur overnight, they can happen at any time. Thieves are opting for more common vehicle models rather than luxury cars, focusing instead on those that boast appealing features, like off-road capabilities and push-button start systems. As thefts of some brands drop, like Hyundais and Kias, the focus on certain trucks and SUVs remains a growing concern for vehicle owners in the area.

To combat this ongoing issue, officials are urging drivers to enhance their vehicle security with steering locks, alarms, and hidden tracking devices. It seems even in a good news story, there’s a twist that keeps us on our toes—after all, keeping up with vehicle safety is a bit of an adventure in itself!