In Savannah, Georgia, recent findings reveal a stark contrast in car theft trends across the United States during the holiday season. While several states have experienced a surge in December car thefts, Georgia’s statistics have remained relatively stable, albeit at concerning levels.

Florida has witnessed the most dramatic increase, with motor-vehicle thefts in December skyrocketing by an astonishing 569% from 2021 to 2024. New York is not far behind, reporting a 287% surge over the same period. States such as Alaska, California, and Nebraska have also seen significant holiday-related spikes in car theft incidents.

Interestingly, Georgia’s figures have shown little fluctuation. In December 2021, the state recorded 1,582 thefts per 100,000 residents, compared to 1,578 in December 2024. Over the past five years, Georgia has experienced a total of 9,334 thefts per 100,000 residents, indicating a steady trend.

This data is sourced from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) “Motor Vehicle Theft” section in their Crime Data Explorer.

Despite Georgia’s stable numbers, experts caution that December continues to be a prime time for opportunistic thieves. The holiday season, with its bustling shopping and travel activities, presents ample opportunities for car theft, making vigilance crucial.