Fort Worth released their 2025 crime stats and one number jumps off the page.
Auto theft: 8,247 reported vehicles stolen in 2025. That's up 14% from 2024 and nearly double the 2019 number. Source: Fort Worth PD Annual Crime Summary.
Other key numbers (2025 vs 2024):
- Homicides: 102 (down from 108, -5.6%)
- Aggravated assaults: 4,312 (up 2.1%)
- Burglary: 4,890 (down 6.8%)
- Theft: 15,440 (flat)
Why auto theft is surging:
- Kia/Hyundai vulnerability (models 2011-2021 without immobilizers) accounts for an estimated 40% of thefts nationwide. Source: NHTSA.
- TikTok "Kia Boys" trend made the technique common knowledge.
- Fort Worth's sprawling geography makes patrol coverage thin.
Recovery rate: Only 58% of stolen vehicles recovered in 2025. Source: FWPD.
Sources:
- Fort Worth Police Department — 2025 Annual Crime Summary (fortworthtexas.gov/police)
- FBI UCR — 2025 preliminary data
- NHTSA — Kia/Hyundai theft advisory
If you own a Kia or Hyundai made 2011-2021, read the next post on what to do.
Is it just me?