OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A worrying state statistic that has been steadily climbing has finally changed course.

The Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA) said in its annual report that car thefts declined last year for the first time since 2020.

Vehicle thefts saw a significant reduction last February in 2024 and have remained low ever since. The total number of thefts is down nearly a third compared to 2023.

Despite the promising numbers, Washington was simultaneously ranked 7th for most auto thefts per capita.

WATPA cited changes in pursuit laws and technology upgrades as some of the reasons for the decline in vehicle thefts.