Vehicle thefts rose 1% last year to 1,020,729 in an upward trend that started in 2019, according to a nonprofit dedicated to combatting insurance crime.

The District of Columbia experienced the highest theft rate in the country with about 1,150 thefts per 100,000 population, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported. The highest number of thefts came in California at nearly 209,000.

Some areas of the country actually saw declines in vehicle theft while others experienced increases, including D.C., whose thefts rose 64%, the group said. The Denver metropolitan area’s thefts fell 22%.

The group said the insurance industry and law enforcement must forge more effective strategies to fight the crime.

“Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems,” said group President and CEO David J. Glawe. “From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, perpetrators are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with alarming success rates.

For more detailed breakdowns on thefts, see its full report.

Vehicle theft has a ripple effect that disrupts owners' lives, Glawe said. "The repercussions of vehicle theft extend beyond financial losses, causing significant distress and inconvenience for affected individuals. Beyond the financial burden of replacing stolen vehicles and repairing damages, victims often endure emotional stress and disruption to their daily routines.”